The New York Mets are making another move in their bullpen ahead of their seven-game road trip.
The ballclub announced on Monday that they're calling up right-handed reliever Daniel Duarte and are optioning Joey Gerber to Triple-A Syracuse. New York also announced that they're transferring veteran reliever A.J. Minter (recovering from lat surgery, hip) to the 60-day injured list.
According to Anthony DiComo of MLB.com, Duarte had exercised the upward mobility clause in his minor league contract, which he signed with the Mets last offseason. This means if New York didn't add him to their active roster, he would've had the opportunity to elect free agency and sign elsewhere.
The 29-year-old inked a minor league deal with the Mets during the offseason and pitched sharply for Syracuse this season. In 12 games, Duarte logged a 2.60 ERA with 14 strikeouts and a WHIP of 1.06 across 17.1 innings pitched.
Duarte last pitched in the major leagues during the 2024 season with the Minnesota Twins, after spending the previous two seasons with the Cincinnati Reds. In 36 career games, Duarte has a 3.99 ERA, 28 strikeouts, one save and a 1.38 WHIP in 38.1 innings pitched.
As for Minter, the Mets' decision to transfer him to the 60-day IL should not hinder his return given he has already spent 60 days on the shelf.
Minter signed a two-year deal, $22 million deal with New York in January 2025. However, the southpaw appeared in just 13 games last season after suffering a torn left lat muscle, which required season-ending surgery.
Despite resuming his rehab last week after experiencing left hip discomfort during his previous rehab assignment, it appears the Mets will have to wait a bit longer for Minter's return to the bullpen this season.
