Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
According to the team’s transactions log, the New York Mets activated right-hander Heath Hembree over the off-day on Monday.
Even though the team was not playing, they had to activate him, as it was three days since he was claimed off waivers from the Cincinnati Reds.
Hembree served as the Reds closer for a brief time during the 2021 season, recording eight saves in ten opportunities. His 6.38 ERA on the season is ballooned by a dreadful month of August in which he posted a 19.29 ERA over 4 2/3 innings of work.
Hembree has recorded 14.5 K/9, which sits as the sixth-highest strikeout rate in baseball this season. Perhaps a change of scenery out of the hitter-friendly confines of Great American Ballpark will be good for the veteran.
The 32-year old has been a successful big league reliever throughout his nine-year big-league career. At this point in the season, it certainly can’t hurt for the Mets to take a chance on the waiver claim.
In a corresponding roster move, righty Yennsy Diaz has been optioned back to Triple-A Syracuse. Diaz was recalled by the team prior to Friday night’s game, but did not make an appearance over the weekend,
He last pitched in the big leagues back on August 15, when he allowed two runs and walked two over an inning of work in the 14-4 loss to the Dodgers. Diaz has pitched well in spurts for the Mets this season, posting a 4.15 ERA and 1.34 WHIP over 21 2/3 innings pitched.
Hembree appears to be ready to roll for Tuesday night’s series opener against the San Francisco Giants at Citi Field.
