Thin Mets rotation could eventually receive help from Hagenman and Montas debut may come soon

By Canadian Press on June 19, 2025.

ATLANTA (AP) — A depleted New York Mets’ rotation could see right-hander Justin Hagenman make his first start of the season soon, but it won’t come on Friday at Philadelphia.

Perhaps of more significance, the Mets debut for right-hander Frankie Montas could come soon.

The Mets on Thursday recalled Hagenman and right-handed reliever Dedniel Núñez from Triple-A Syracuse and optioned right-hander Ty Adcock to Syracuse. Right-hander Max Kranick was also placed on the 15-day injured list with a right elbow strain.

Hagenman, who gave up one run in 3 1/3 innings in his only appearance for the Mets this season, was forced to work in relief in Thursday night’s game at Atlanta. Before the game, manager Carlos Mendoza said Hagenman could pitch on Friday, either as a starter or in bulk relief behind an opener, but those plans changed as the Mets fell behind the Braves.

Mendoza said Montas, who was placed on the IL with a strained right late on March 24, also may be ready to join the rotation despite allowing eight homers and posting a 12.05 ERA in six minor league rehab games. Montas allowed 30 hits in 18 2/3 innings in his series of rocky rehab outings.

“I mean, I’m not going to lie, you know, he got hit,” Mendoza said of Montas. “He got hit around, you know? But look, we seen it before where guys in spring training struggle and they get hit around. And once you put him on a big league game under the lights and your game plan, and you make adjustments and they flip the switch. He’s had success before at this level.”

Montas, 32, signed a $34 million, two-year contract with the Mets in December. Montas missed most of the 2023 season because of shoulder surgery. He was 3-3 with a 4.53 ERA in 11 starts for Milwaukee in 2024.

The Mets’ rotation needs help. Right-hander Tylor Megill was placed on the 15-day injured list on Tuesday with a right elbow sprain and will miss at least one month. Last week, right-hander Kodai Senga was placed on the 15-day injured list with a right hamstring strain.

Mendoza said Kranick, who had a 3.65 ERA, returned to New York on Thursday for an MRI after having continued discomfort in his elbow on Wednesday when he played catch and then tried to throw from the mound.

Kranick, 27, was recalled from Syracuse on June 13.

The Mets took a five-game losing streak into Thursday night’s game.

Mendoza said he was encouraged by the progress of third baseman Brett Baty, who missed the first two games of the series with a groin injury.

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AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/mlb

Charles Odum, The Associated Press