The Mets made a pair of roster moves before tonight’s game against the Dodgers. The Mets swapped lefties in their bullpen, designating Génesis Cabrera for assignment and recalling Brandon Waddell. They also retooled their bench, recalling left-hander Jared Young and DFAing José Azocar.
Waddell’s promotion is likely due in no small part to the Mets using their entire bullpen last night. Waddell was briefly on the big league roster earlier this season, helping the Mets as the bulk man during one of their 13-games without a day off streaks this year. He tossed four and a third scoreless innings, giving up three hits and striking out four. Waddell made 11 appearances over the past five seasons for the Pirates, Orioles, Twins, and Padres, but it was Waddell’s time playing in Asia that interested the Mets. In parts of three seasons in the KBO, Waddell made 43 starts and had a 2.98 ERA. He also made 12 starts in the CPBL last season, good for a 3.30 ERA.
Young’s path to the Mets also came through Korea; last season, Young hit 326./420/.660 in 38 games. Prior to that, Young was in both the Cubs and Cardinals systems, where he played corner infield, corner outfield, and DH’d. Young will likely be a bench bat and DH for the Mets.
Azocar has been playing sporadically, appearing in 12 games but collecting just 20 plate appearances. He pinch ran for Pete Alonso as the Manfred Man in last night’s marathon loss to the Dodgers.
Cabrera pitched seven and two-thirds innings for the big league club this season, striking out seven while walking three and giving up three earned runs.
Neither Cabrera nor Azocar have minor league options left, so both would have to pass through waivers in order to remain in the Mets’ organization. Both have enough service time to decline a minor league assignment if they so choose.