Mets Call Up Blade Tidwell for Major League Debut Sunday

ST. LOUIS — The New York Mets announced Friday that pitching prospect Blade Tidwell will make his major league debut as the starter on Sunday against the St. Louis Cardinals. This decision comes as the Mets face a grueling stretch of 13 consecutive games, and promoting Tidwell will give their other starters a much-needed break.

Manager Carlos Mendoza expressed confidence in Tidwell, who was a second-round draft pick in 2022. “He earned it,” Mendoza said. “We know the stuff is there. We saw flashes of it in spring training. And the way he’s been throwing the ball, especially of late, is impressive.”

Entering Friday, the Mets’ rotation had been outstanding, allowing four runs or fewer in 32 consecutive starts, marking the longest such stretch to start a season in the National League in 125 years. The team currently leads the majors with a 2.68 ERA and 303 strikeouts.

Tidwell has had a mixed start to the season at Triple-A Syracuse, with a record of 1-2 and a 5.00 ERA over six starts. Despite those numbers, he has shown promise, striking out 37 batters in 27 innings. Mendoza noted, “I think the balls in play (are) a little high in Triple-A, you know, but it comes down to executing — throwing strikes — because we know how electric his stuff is.”

The Mets also made an additional bullpen move before Friday’s game. Right-hander Austin Warren was recalled from Syracuse, while another righty was optioned back to Triple-A after just one appearance.