As the New York Mets continue a grueling 13-game stretch without a day off, all eyes are on Wednesday’s matchup against the Arizona Diamondbacks — not just for the competition, but to see who will take the mound. With regular starters Frankie Montas and Sean Manaea still recovering from injuries, the Mets are forced to dig deep into their pitching options.
Manager Carlos Mendoza hinted at a potential game plan during Tuesday’s pre-game media session. “We know that Brandon Waddell will be here, and he will play a part of that game tomorrow,” Mendoza stated. “Whether he’s going to start, we’ve got to get through today’s game and see whether we want to go with an opener or he starts.”
Waddell, who has impressed in Triple-A Syracuse with a 1.54 ERA across 23 1/3 innings, seems the logical choice. He’s struck out 21 batters and maintained a 1.286 WHIP, showcasing his effectiveness despite the limited sample. While Mendoza didn’t confirm if Waddell will start or serve as a bulk reliever, the team could repeat a strategy seen on April 16, when Huascar Brazobán opened against the Minnesota Twins and Justin Hagenman followed in long relief.
Though the Mets ultimately lost that game 1-0, Hagenman pitched well, giving up just one run over 3 1/3 innings and fanning four. Waddell could be used in a similar fashion — especially given his experience and track record overseas. Since leaving the St. Louis Cardinals organization in 2022, Waddell has logged innings in both the KBO and CPBL, where he compiled a 3.05 ERA with 275 strikeouts over 315 2/3 innings.
While this plan underscores the Mets’ injury challenges, it also provides an intriguing opportunity for Waddell to make his mark on the big stage. Whether he starts or follows an opener, all signs point to him playing a key role Wednesday.
With New York fresh off an 8-3 victory over the Diamondbacks and the team juggling rotation fatigue, fans can expect a non-traditional pitching setup. As Mendoza emphasized, “We’ve got to get through today’s game” — a sign that Wednesday’s decision hinges on bullpen usage and strategic flexibility.
