The New York Mets called up Chris Mazza to join the bullpen and demoted starter Walker Lockett as they continue to shuffle pitchers.
The New York Mets roster shuffle continued prior to Wednesday’s game against the Philadelphia Phillies. The team announced before the game on Twitter that right-hander Chris Mazza would be called up. Walker Lockett, on the other hand, would be demoted. Southpaw Ryan O’Rouke was designated for assignment to open up a 40-man roster spot for Mazza.
We have selected the contract of RHP Chris Mazza and optioned Walker Lockett to Triple-A Syracuse. In addition, we have designated LHP Ryan O’Rourke for assignment. #Mets pic.twitter.com/N4SECLZO7x
— New York Mets (@Mets) June 26, 2019
The 29-year-old will be asked to join a bullpen that has struggled this year. He didn’t appear in Wednesday’s loss and is still yet to make an MLB appearance. The team acquired him in the minor league portion of the Rule 5 Draft this offseason.
This season, Mazza has a 3.59 ERA and a 1.16 WHIP in 72.2 innings between Double-A Binghamton and Triple-A Syracuse. He’s started every game he’s appeared in so far this season, although 92 of his 151 career minor league games have been out of the bullpen. He has a 3.19 ERA and a 1.19 WHIP in eight minor league seasons.
Lockett has struggled in his two starts this year, posting an 11.74 ERA across 7.2 innings. The move indicates that Noah Syndergaard, who had a successful rehab appearance on Tuesday, will be ready to take his next start. Syndergaard is set to return to the mound on Sunday against the Atlanta Braves at Citi Field.
O’Rouke has made two appearances for the Mets this season, allowing no runs over 1.1 innings. He has a 3.31 ERA in 32.2 innings with Syracuse.
