New York Mets recall key relief pitcher from Triple-A

The Mets have recalled Huascar Brazobán from Triple-A Syracuse and optioned fellow right-handed reliever Justin Hagenman.

May 23, 2025; New York City, New York, USA; New York Mets relief pitcher Huascar Brazoban (43) pitches against the Los Angeles Dodgers during the thirteenth inning at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images | Brad Penner-Imagn Images

The New York Mets have re-shuffled the bullpen, swapping two right-handed relievers.

The club recalled veteran Huascar Brazobán from Triple-A Syracuse on Thursday, optioning Justin Hagenman in a corresponding move. Fellow right-handed reliever Wander Suero cleared waivers and was outrighted to Syracuse. Brazobán, who underwent an MRI on his side on August 27th, was sent down to Triple-A the same day despite returning a clean bill of health.

The Mets announce Huasacar Brazobán has been recalled from Triple-A Syracuse.

In a corresponding roster move, Justin Hagenman has been optioned. pic.twitter.com/hNQyteNczN

— SNY Mets (@SNY_Mets) September 11, 2025

Brazobán looked like one of the best relievers in the league to start to the season, posting a 1.80 ERA in 12 appearances in April followed by a 1.26 ERA across 11 appearances in May. Throughout the spring, Brazobán delivered as the Mets consistently turned to him in high-leverage spots.

Read More: New York Mets reliever Huascar Brazobán continues to impress

But the 35-year-old scuffled tremendously through June where he gave up nine hits, 12 walks, and 14 runs across just 8.2 innings. Following this rough patch, Brazobán bounced back slightly in July to offer a respectable 3.86 ERA in 10 showings. But he was ultimately optioned on July 29th in a move that allowed the club to re-sign Chris Devenski.

Read More: Mets re-sign veteran hurler to one-year deal; option struggling reliever to minors

On the year, Brazobán is 5-2 with a 3.91 ERA and 51 strikeouts across 63 appearances (53.0 IP). Fellow right-handed reliever Hagenman has struggled to catch on and holds a 0-1 record with a 4.56 ERA in just nine appearances in his first year in the big leagues. Hagenman has appeared in 19 games for Syracuse (11 starts) and is 2-4 with a 6.12 ERA.

Huascar Brazoban escaping bases loaded, 2-out jams pic.twitter.com/rckWvw0sZr

— jack (@Jolly_Olive) June 3, 2025

Brazobán's season has been reflective of his New York ballclub in many ways. When at his best, the hurler looked to be one of the best leverage arms in the National League. Unfortunately, Brazobán failed to sustain this form consistently, and when he struggled, he struggled mightily.

Read More: How Mets' reliever has fared since being sent down to Triple-A

But his return to the Mets at least offers the good news that he has recovered well from the side injury that required an MRI just over two weeks ago. Tylor Megill, who was a candidate to join the Mets bullpen late in the season, will likely miss the rest of the season as he was shut down from throwing and is now seeking multiple opinions on his elbow.

If the Mets are going to rebound from their late season skid and make a push into the playoffs, they'll need much more reliable production from their bullpen, which has been inconsistent despite their trade deadline reinforcements. Brazobán will seemingly slot in as a fresh arm to eat up middle innings but has shown the potential to rise in big moments. With recently acquired right-hander Ryan Helsley struggling to hold down a late-inning role (11.08 ERA in 16 games), the Mets will have to continue to be creative about their high-leverage spots.

Brazobán's return could open up some more possibilities for a New York team that is fighting to remain in a Wild Card spot with just 15 games remaining.