Dennis Schneidler-USA TODAY Sports
The last time that right-handed pitcher Tommy Hunter took the mound in the major leagues was May 19, 2021, prior to being traded to the Tampa Bay Rays in July 2021 for left-handed pitcher Rich Hill.
After electing free agency in November 2021, the Mets re-signed Hunter back on April 28, 2022. Prior to being traded, Hunter was on and off of the injured list with lower back pain. Upon being assigned to Triple-A Syracuse in May, he once again spent a short stint on the injured list.
During his latest stint with Triple-A Syracuse prior to being called back up, Hunter had a 4.61 ERA through eight games. He gave up 16 hits, one walk, and two home runs, but struck out 14 over the course of 13 2/3 innings pitched.
On Sunday, Hunter made his return to a major league mound for the first time in over a year in the Mets’ loss to the Marlins.
Hunter pitched a successful 1 2/3 inings, giving up no hits, one run (no earned runs), and struck out two. He threw 22 pitches, 17 for strikes in relief of Seth Lugo who made it just two-thirds of an inning.
Manager Buck Showalter discussed Hunter’s return to the mound and had positive remarks about Hunter’s first start back.
“It was a good start for Tommy,” said Showalter. “He ain’t scared.”
Showalter said most of Hunter’s Triple-A Syracuse starts were two-inning starts to prepare him for his return to the big leagues with the plan for him to throw two innings (give or take) for the Mets during his outings, however on Sunday Showalter said he needed to get Joely Rodriguez in the rotation since he had rested a few days between outings
“Hopefully Tommy has some of the health issues he’s had in the past behind him and can be a contributor,” said Showalter.
Hunter also spoke on his return to the mound after Sunday’s game.
“It was good,” said Hunter. “I feel good, healthy, finally,” he said.
Showalter also told the media that the team will be down to 13 pitchers on Monday, saying by noon they will have their cuts made and their 13 pitchers decided.
