Mets announce roster plethora ahead of series finale vs. Houston

The New York Mets are facing a player shortage, and turnover, particularly in the bullpen, continues. The team announced the following roster moves Sunday morning:

Tylor Megill’s difficult season continued Saturday, as he lasted just 5 1/3 innings and allowed four runs and five hits. His ERA for the season is 5.08 as his career-long struggles to emerge as a regular major league starter continue. Megill’s demotion paves the way for Christian Scott to be recalled and get a start sometime this week and it also allows a much needed new relief arm to arrive for Sunday’s series finale.

Additionally, Danny Young continues his up-and-down movement through the system. Young pitched 1 1/3 innings in Saturday’s game, allowing three runs and two hits. His major league ERA sits at 5.11 this season.

Tylor Megill. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports

The new bullpen reinforcements are left-hander Tyler Jay and right-hander Matt Festa. Jay, who pitched four innings in the major leagues this season, pitched 36 innings for Syracuse in Triple-A this year. He has a 2.00 earned run average. He last pitched for Syracuse on June 28.

Meanwhile, Matt Festa, who signed a minor league contract with the Mets after being released by the San Diego Padres organization earlier in the season, has a 3.16 ERA in Triple-A this year , divided between two organizations. He has impressed since joining Syracuse, pitching 15 1/3 innings with 19 strikeouts and a 1.76 ERA.

Festa last pitched June 25 for Syracuse and has seven appearances with the Triple-A Mets lasting more than one inning. So, if necessary, he can give New York length. He owns a 4.32 ERA, 4.77 FIP in 93 2/3 major league innings, all with Seattle. He has pitched 54 innings for the Mariners in 2022, posting a 4.17 ERA (4.26 FIP) with 64 strikeouts. Festa primarily throws two pitches, a 90 mph fastball and a sweeper.

Additionally, Brooks Raley suffered Tommy John He had surgery about a month ago, so his move to the 60-day injured list was expected at some point with his season over. Outfielder Duke Ellis was claimed off waivers by the Chicago White Sox on June 16. He was with the Binghamton Rumble Ponies (Double-A) at the time of his DFA.

The Mets look for another series win this afternoon at 1:40 p.m. ET against the Houston Astros at Citi Field.