Stephen Nogosek designated for assignment to clear roster spot for Rick Porcello

The Mets made their signing of starting pitcher Rick Porcello official this afternoon. As was the case when they signed Michael Wacha, the team needed to clear a spot on their 40-man roster in order to make room for the new addition. As such, they simultaneously announced that they’ve designated relief pitcher Stephen Nogosek for assignment.

The 24-year-old Nogosek was one of the pieces acquired by the Mets in July of 2017 in exchange for Addison Reed. He made his major league debut in 2019, and he unfortunately did not impress in his short big league stint, as he pitched to the tune of a 10.80 ERA in 6.2 innings over seven appearances. His numbers in the minor leagues remained fairly solid, however, as he put up a 1.07 ERA over 50.1 innings in 35 games between Double and Triple A (though he did struggle with his control, as his 4.5 BB/9 indicates).

The Mets now must wait to see if Nogosek will be claimed by another team, in which case he would have to be added to his new organization’s 40-man roster. While his major league debut did not go as well as hoped, his presence in the minors would still provide some measure of bullpen depth for a team that is currently sorely lacking in that department, so it would be to their benefit if he cleared through waivers.