New York Mets Claim Reliever Off Waivers to Help Bolster Bullpen

The New York Mets have claimed a reliever off waivers to help bolster their bullpen.

Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports

The New York Mets are adding more bullpen help.

On Sunday, the Mets claimed right-handed reliever Reed Garrett off waivers from the Baltimore Orioles, as the team announced.

The Mets optioned Garrett to Triple-A Syracuse, but he will likely be needed as a fresh arm at the big-league level soon enough.

While pitching for Baltimore's Triple-A affiliate this season, Garrett is 5-1 with a 1.59 ERA, three saves and a .226 opposing average in 19 appearances (22.2 innings).

Garrett made two appearances for the Orioles this year, in which he gave up three earned runs on seven hits across 2.2 innings (10.13 ERA). 

Overall, Garrett, 30, has made 22 career appearances in the big-leagues for three different teams and holds a 7.90 ERA.

The Mets' bullpen currently ranks 20th in baseball with a 4.15 ERA as a unit. But the 'pen has lacked quality arms in middle relief, as the loss of elite closer Edwin Diaz has trickled down.

After beating the Philadelphia Phillies on Saturday by a score of 4-2, the Mets are looking to take the series victory on Sunday with Carlos Carrasco on the mound.

With their latest win, the Mets are 35-41 and 14 games back of the Atlanta Braves in the National League East. They sit eight games back of the third Wild Card spot in the NL.