New York Mets Mix Up Struggling Bullpen in Latest Slew of Roster Moves

The New York Mets have designated right-handed pitcher Edwin Uceta for assignment, the team announced Wednesday. In a pair of related moves, the Mets selected right-handed pitcher Denis Santana from Triple-A Syracuse and optioned right-handed José Butto down to the minors in his place.

New York made the moves in time for its Wednesday afternoon game against the Pittsburgh Pirates, which got underway at 1:10 p.m. ET.

RHP Denis Santana has been selected from Triple-A Syracuse.

RHP José Butto has been optioned to Triple-A Syracuse.

RHP Edwin Uceta has been designated for assignment.
— New York Mets (@Mets) August 16, 2023

Uceta made one appearance with the Mets this season back on April 22 – 3.0 scoreless innings in a loss to the San Francisco Giants. The 25-year-old wound up on the injured list with a left ankle sprain, only to tear his left meniscus midway through the recovery process. After fighting his way back to the mound and going on a two-week rehab assignment through New York's farm system, Uceta eventually lost his spot on the 40-man roster.

Butto, meanwhile, had just been recalled Tuesday. He allowed three earned runs and three walks in 2.2 innings against the Pirates in his first taste of major league action since May 2, getting sent right back down to the minors as a result.

Santana was on the Mets' Opening Day roster and did not allow a run in any of his first three outings. However, the 27-year-old had a 10.80 ERA across his next four appearances and he was ultimately designated for assignment.

New York called Santana back up and let him toss 1.0 scoreless frame against the Washington Nationals on May 14, but he was designated for assignment again the very next day.

Santana is now getting another chance in the big leagues, rejoining a group of relievers that has struggled on the whole in 2023.

The Mets' bullpen currently ranks No. 25 in baseball with a 4.57 ERA and No. 20 with a 1.34 WHIP. Their relievers ranked No. 10 in ERA and No. 9 in WHIP last season, but closer Edwin Diaz's absence has caused instability in the later innings.

Adam Ottavino's ERA has gone up over a full run year-over-year, while Seth Lugo and Joely Rodríguez both left in free agency. New York also sent Diaz's replacement, veteran David Robertson, to the Miami Marlins at the MLB trade deadline, despite the 38-year-old boasting a 2.05 ERA and 14 saves at the time.

New York now sits at 54-66, safely out of the playoff race as the regular season begins to wind down.

After closing things out with the Pirates, the Mets will head off to St. Louis for a four-game series with the Cardinals. First pitch in Thursday's showdown is scheduled for 7:15 p.m. ET.

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