Justin Hagenman is set to make his return to the Mets rotation on Wednesday, marking his first start since recovering from a rare rib fracture that sidelined him for 10 weeks. The injury prevented him from throwing during his recovery.
"It was just a unique [injury]," Hagenman said Tuesday. "You kind of just have to wait for the bone to heal. It took a lot of time, which is probably the longest I have taken off from throwing."
The 29-year-old right-hander's insertion into the rotation will provide extra rest for Christian Scott. This opportunity will allow Hagenman to demonstrate his potential as part of the team's pitching depth heading into the next season.
Hagenman showed flashes of potential last season, posting a 4.56 ERA in nine appearances, primarily as a bulk reliever. He was awarded a major league contract before last season despite never having pitched above Triple-A. In three appearances for Syracuse this season, he recorded a 2.89 ERA.
"He throws strikes — that is what he gives you," interim manager Andy Green said. "He’s done that his entire career. He’s done that well."
In a related move, Dylan Ross, a right-handed reliever, has been recalled from Syracuse. Green noted that Ross's fastball velocity, which has neared 100 mph, and his splitter are appealing attributes. "He’s somebody for a while that we thought has a chance to impact this level and we’ll see what opportunity lays out there in front of him right now," Green added.
Kodai Senga has secured five saves in as many opportunities since taking over the closer role while Devin Williams is sidelined. Senga has pitched to a 1.74 ERA with 12 strikeouts over 10 1/3 innings in 11 appearances since the trade deadline.