Mets make roster moves ahead of White Sox finale
The New York Mets announced a series of roster moves on Wednesday, recalling right-hander Chayce McDermott and infielder Eric Wagaman from Triple-A Syracuse, optioning right-hander Jack Weisenburger to the minors, and placing infielder Jorge Polanco on the 10-day injured list with left ankle bursitis, as reported by multiple outlets.
The transactions came as the Mets prepared for their series finale against the Chicago White Sox. New York defeated the American League Central-leading White Sox 10-5 on Saturday, a victory that marked the team's sixth in eight games. A win on Sunday would give the Mets the series win, their third in a row.
Weisenburger's brief stint ends
Jack Weisenburger, who made his major league debut earlier in August, was optioned to Triple-A Syracuse just two weeks after that debut, according to multiple reports. The 28-year-old right-hander made three relief appearances for the Mets, covering 4 1/3 innings with a 2.08 ERA, four strikeouts, and two walks.
One report noted that Weisenburger threw 1 1/3 innings during Tuesday's game, and that the Mets were bringing up a fresh arm for the bullpen. The same report suggested Weisenburger is a likely candidate for promotion when rosters expand in September.
Weisenburger's path to the majors was unconventional. Born October 8, 1997, in Rockford, Michigan, he was drafted by the Athletics in the 20th round (614th overall) of the 2019 MLB draft. After working through the Oakland system, he was released in early 2025, pitched in independent ball, and was signed by the Mets on May 2. He was assigned to the Brooklyn Cyclones before moving to Triple-A Syracuse, where he posted a 7.22 ERA and 1.57 WHIP with a 46/27 strikeout-to-walk ratio across 14 appearances (12 starts) over 52 1/3 innings.
McDermott provides bullpen depth
Chayce McDermott's recall gives the Mets a multi-inning option out of the bullpen, according to one report. He takes the roster spot of Weisenburger, who was optioned in the corresponding transaction.
The Mets acquired McDermott from the Dodgers at the trade deadline for catcher Ben Rortvedt. He has shown flashes of stuff in 3 1/3 innings split between two outings, but his command has been an issue, with a 7.9 walks-per-nine rate across 18 1/3 big league innings, per one report. He was designated for assignment last week to make room for Cole Irvin.
McDermott was once a highly regarded starting pitching prospect in the Orioles system, according to the same report.
Wagaman returns with Polanco sidelined
Eric Wagaman was recalled from Triple-A Syracuse, with one report tying the move directly to Polanco's ankle injury. Wagaman will likely see time over the final month-plus, though one outlet noted limited fantasy significance in his profile.
Wagaman has hit .190 (8-for-42) with two home runs and four RBI in the big leagues this season, and has slashed .227/.320/.500 in limited playing time. He was previously brought up after Juan Soto hit the injured list in late July, and he hit a two-run homer off Hoby Milner that brought the Mets within a run at 3-2, though the team lost in extra innings.
The Mets have Francisco Lindor back for the first time since late April, but Soto is out with back tightness, and Wagaman has been filling in at designated hitter. Ronny Mauricio fractured his left thumb on May 3rd and is on track to return, and another player, Taylor, hit the injured list and may be out until mid-June, opening the door for Wagaman.
Polanco's lost first season
Jorge Polanco was placed on the 10-day injured list with left ankle bursitis, a move reported by multiple outlets. Lower body issues have plagued Polanco throughout this season and much of his career, and the 33-year-old could return near September, but one report described this as a "lost first season" with the Mets.
He was placed on the IL before Wednesday's game against the Padres. Polanco had been trying to play through the issue, taking 300 swings in batting practice to get himself right. He laced his first hit since July 20th, first extra-base hit since July 7th, and first home run since April 11th, bringing his batting average up to .144 with a .445 OPS. He is 4-for-25 with one extra-base hit and four hard-hit balls since coming off the injured list.
Soto has been dealing with an issue and may be day-to-day, possibly limiting Polanco's spot. Luis Robert Jr. has been on the injured list with a lumbar spine disk herniation since late April; he's played in 24 games for the Mets, slashing .224/.327/.329 with two home runs and two steals. The Mets are easing Polanco back, with Soto serving as designated hitter in his place on Sunday.