After just one start and eight outs, the Mets have designated Julio Teheran for assignment. In his place, they’ve called up reliever Dedniel Núñez, who will make his MLB debut over the coming days.
The team had given Teheran a $2.5 million deal just last week once Tylor Megill went on the injured list. The contract was confusing given Teheran was not a viable long-term solution for the rotation, but his contract seems to have a clause where he’ll earn $150,000 if he’s in the minor leagues. The deal is non-guaranteed, meaning Teheran will be paid the pro-rated amount for his one start: about $54,000.
Dedniel Núñez, Photo by Bronson Harris
To address the need for fresh arms, the Mets call up Núñez, a 27-year-old who transitioned to be a reliever after 2021 Tommy John surgery. (He was with the Giants organization after being selected in the Rule 5 draft the offseason before.)
He’s tossed 3.1 scoreless innings for Syracuse so far this season and spent the latter half of 2023 at Triple-A, too. Núñez throws in the upper 90s (hit 99 in last outing). He last pitched on Saturday for Syracuse, with four strikeouts in two scoreless innings.
Teheran’s DFA opens up the door for Jose Buttó to potentially start on Saturday. Butto (and other Triple-A options to start the year) can be recalled without an injury reason or as the extra man in a doubleheader starting April 12. Butto allowed one run in six innings in Game 2 of the doubleheader against the Tigers last week.
