How New York Mets reliever Dedniel Núñez fared in first minors outing

New York Mets pitcher Dedniel Núñez debuted Sunday for Triple-A Syracuse.

Ezra Lombardi | Mar 30, 2025

Jul 9, 2024; New York City, New York, USA; New York Mets relief pitcher Dedniel Núñez (72) reacts after retiring the side in the eighth inning against the Washington Nationals at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images / Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images

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New York Mets

The New York Mets could get a key arm back in the bullpen shortly, as Dedniel Núñez looked solid in his Triple-A debut on Sunday.

Núñez, who is working his way back from a right pronator injury, faced four batters against the Worcester Red Sox. The righty reliever threw 23 pitches, 18 of which were strikes, and struck out two batters for a perfect fourth inning. Núñez took the mound again for the fifth inning, but was taken out after allowing a single to Worcester's Marcelo Mayer.

Dedniel Núñez in his season debut for Triple-A Syracuse:

1 IP, 1 H, 1 ER, 0 BB, 2 K, 23 pitches/18 strikes

Fastball topped out at 97 mph. He threw 12 sliders.
— Mike Mayer (@mikemayer22) March 30, 2025

New York optioned Núñez to Syracuse last week to slowly build him up for his return to the majors. In regards to the decision, Mets manager Carlos Mendoza explained that it would not be fair to rush him back after "just a couple of outings."

The 28-year-old's last in-game action was against the San Diego Padres on August 24th. After battling injuries all summer, he found himself back on the injured list following this appearance with tightness in his right forearm. The team officially shut Núñez down for the season in September when he was given a platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injection to his elbow.

Despite the injury, Núñez was impressive in his rookie campaign. He was 2-0 with a 2.31 ERA, 0.91 WHIP, and one save in his 25 appearances in 2024. Núñez has demonstrated great control and finished last season with 48 strikeouts to only eight walks.

Mets RP Dedniel Nunez doing Dedniel Nunez things regardless of weather as he takes over in the 4th inning for Syracuse Mets getting a K on this filth and topped 98 mph against his first batter. Pumping strikes as always. pic.twitter.com/Z0verX5aBP
— Ernest Dove (@ernestdove) March 30, 2025

With such a small sample size, it's difficult to predict the impact Núñez will have when called up. But it will be worth monitoring his health and consistency in his Triple-A outings to potentially add some valuable depth to the Mets bullpen.

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