Mets Sign José Ureña Amid Pitching Injuries as Spring Training Begins

PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. — The New York Mets have signed pitcher José Ureña to a minor league contract as they navigate injuries to two key starters. Ureña, 33, arrived at the team’s training facility Thursday as a non-roster invitee, confirming his signing to Newsday’s Tim Healey.

Ureña brings a decade of MLB experience, boasting a career record of 44-77 and a 4.76 ERA across ten seasons. He pitched last year for the Texas Rangers, recording a 5-8 record with a 3.80 ERA in 33 games, including nine starts.

The Mets are facing significant challenges with starting pitchers Frankie Montas and Sean Manaea both expected to start the season on the injured list. Montas is dealing with a right lat strain, which is anticipated to sideline him for 6 to 8 weeks. Meanwhile, Manaea, suffering from an oblique strain, is not expected to throw for another two to three weeks and likely won’t return until mid- to late April.

During his tenure with the Miami Marlins, Ureña had standout seasons, notably in 2017 when he posted a 14-7 record with a 3.82 ERA. Although his performance has fluctuated in recent years, he has shown versatility, functioning as both a starter and reliever.

Currently, the Mets’ starting rotation depth chart includes Kodai Senga, David Peterson, Clay Holmes, Paul Blackburn, and Griffin Canning. Ureña may provide a vital buffer in case of additional injuries or struggles among the current starters.

Since joining the MLB in 2015, Ureña has also played for the Detroit Tigers, Colorado Rockies, Milwaukee Brewers, and Chicago White Sox. His experience is a boon for the Mets, adding stability as the team eyes the regular season.

While some fans are calling for the return of José Quintana, who performed admirably for the Mets last year, the club may be hesitant to meet his contract demands. General Manager David Stearns’ recent acquisition of Ureña appears to be a strategic, cost-effective maneuver that bolsters the roster without compromising fiscal resources.

“This is a low-risk, high-reward signing,” a club source stated. “Ureña has proven he can handle different roles on the mound, and that’s invaluable to us right now.”

As spring training progresses, Ureña’s addition could prove essential, especially with the 2024 regular season on the horizon.