Mets Call Up Pitcher Justin Hagenman for Debut Against Twins

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. — The New York Mets announced Tuesday that they will recall pitcher Justin Hagenman from Triple-A Syracuse for Wednesday’s series finale against the Minnesota Twins. Hagenman, who will make his major league debut, steps in to replace Griffin Canning, who is unavailable due to illness.

Mets manager Carlos Mendoza stated that the exact role for Hagenman in Wednesday’s game is still to be determined; he may either start or pitch in relief behind an opener. While the 28-year-old right-hander has been inconsistent in the minors, he possesses intriguing potential following his offseason signing.

Hagenman, who is already on the team’s 40-man roster, has faced challenges during his time in Triple-A, where he has given up 11 runs (eight earned) in 10.2 innings this season. His latest outing was on April 10, where he displayed glimpses of his ability, throwing five strikeouts and allowing just one run over 2.2 innings. Nevertheless, his overall ERA this season stands at 6.97.

The Mets have been adjusting their pitching rotation following Canning’s illness and have plans to use a technical option to manage their roster. They might recall Hagenman while optioning a reliever like Huascar Brazobán, who pitched heavily in a recent game. This strategy allows the Mets to utilize Hagenman without committing to a complete shift in their pitching lineup.

Mendoza emphasized the importance of managing the pitching staff efficiently. “This is a great opportunity for Hagenman, and we need to ensure we keep our rotation intact while providing some flexibility,” he explained.

Originally drafted by the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2018, Hagenman had a brief stint in the Boston Red Sox minor league system following a trade deadline deal in 2023. He qualified for free agency at the end of the 2024 season, subsequently signing with the Mets. Hagenman has a solid statistical background, possessing a career strikeout rate of 25% and a generally reliable ability to throw strikes, which he hopes to translate in the majors.

Despite the struggles on the mound this season, the Mets are optimistic about what Hagenman can bring to the table as depth for their pitching rotation. “He has the arm to give us multiple innings if needed and the makeup to succeed at this level,” said Mendoza.

If Hagenman does fill a starting role, he will face a challenging lineup of Twins batters. The Mets are also preparing for potential adjustments in the lineup due to injuries, namely with Jose Siri, whom the team anticipates placing on the injured list shortly.

The Mets have needed pitching depth early in the season, and they hope Hagenman’s presence can positively affect their immediate rotation needs while setting the stage for a potentially promising career ahead.