As the New York Mets frantically try to fend off the fast-charging Cincinnati Reds in the National League wild card race, they’re tossing several pitchers aside.
Earlier this week, New York designated right-hander Dom Hamel for assignment. He was promptly picked up off waivers by the Baltimore Orioles. On Saturday, another Mets righty became a casualty.
Before Saturday’s game between New York and the Washington Nationals, the Mets announced that 34-year-old reliever Wander Suero had been designated for assignment for the second time this month.
In a corresponding move, left-hander Richard Lovelady was selected from Triple-A Syracuse.
Suero, 34, was first picked up by the Mets on Sept. 4 as a waiver claim from the Atlanta Braves. He was first optioned to Triple-A Syracuse, then DFA’d on Sept. 9.
Then, Suero cleared waivers, was optioned back to Triple-A, and finally got called up on Thursday to the active roster. Unfortunately for the veteran, he never got into a game in New York before once again being cut loose.
Suero has made 196 major league appearances in seven seasons, playing for four teams (not including the Mets, of course). He was a member of the 2019 World Series-champion Nationals playoff roster.
With only seven games to play for each of the 30 Major League Baseball clubs, it’s unlikely anyone will claim Suero off waivers, especially because he wouldn’t be eligible for postseason play. The Triple-A season also ends on Sunday, so New York may very well choose to release him altogether.
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