Mets replace struggling 39-year-old reliever with minor leaguer

Mets replace struggling 39-year-old reliever with minor leaguer originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The New York Mets' struggles have been profound as of late. The Mets are on a four-game losing streak and have been outscored in their series with the Athletics, 15-6.

The Mets' bullpen, along with their struggling offense, has not gotten the job done, forcing a change. The Mets added nine-time All-Star closer right-hander Craig Kimbrel on Saturday to try to stabilize things. On Sunday, the Mets made another change to the bullpen, letting go of one veteran who has been struggling.

The New York Mets designate right-hander Luis Garcia for assignment

Among the changes to the Mets' bullpen is right-hander Luis Garcia, who was designated for assignment on Sunday, per Will Sammon of The Athletic. To take Garcia’s spot on the active roster, the Mets are calling up right-hander Joey Gerber from Triple-A Syracuse.

Garcia, 39, signed a one-year ($1.75 million) guaranteed contract in the offseason and had a 7.11 ERA in 6.1 innings. A solid journeyman reliever, Garcia has pitched for nine different teams in his 14-year career, with the Philadelphia Phillies as his longest stay (2013 to 2018).

Gerber, 28, will be an adequate depth reliever for the Mets, having pitched in 19 career games in the big leagues for the Seattle Mariners (19 in 2020) and the Tampa Bay Rays (two in 2025). In four games with Syracuse, Gerber has a 5.40 ERA and one save in five innings.

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