Mets Call Up Joey Gerber, DFA Luis Garcia In Bullpen Move

[Steve Drumwright]

 

The Luis Garcia era with the New York Mets lasted just six games.

The 39-year-old right-handed reliever was designated for assignment as the Mets called up right-handed reliever Joey Gerber from Triple-A Syracuse. Gerber was not on the 40-man roster, thus the need to DFA Garcia.

One of three bullpen signings this offseason, albeit to a modest one-year, $1.75 million deal, Garcia appeared in six games with a 2.80 FIP but a 7.11 ERA. He walked two and struck out four in 6⅓ innings, giving up six total runs in three of his six appearances. His last outing was in Saturday's 11-6 loss where he pitched a scoreless ninth inning, allowing one hit and striking out one. The Mets are on the hook for the entire contract if no one claims him off waivers.

Gerber gets his chance with the Mets. Acquired in an early-November trade with the Tampa Bay Rays after he had been DFA'd, Gerber had a 5.40 ERA in four games covering five innings, walking one and striking out five. He has appeared in 19 MLB games in two seasons, 17 with the Seattle Mariners in 2020 and two with the Rays last year. Gerber has a 4.38 FIP (3.60 ERA) in 20 innings, with 10 strikeouts against five walks.

Gerber didn't pitch in 2021 due to back surgery and missed 2023 due to Tommy John surgery.

 

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