Mets call up Jacob Rhame, option Drew Gagnon to Triple-A

The New York Mets have called up right-handed reliever Jacob Rhame and have sent Drew Gagnon back to Syracuse prior to today’s series finale against the Philadelphia Phillies.

Rhame has pitched to a 9.53 ERA and a 1.59 WHIP in 5.2 innings in Syracuse this season. He’s allowed four hits and seven runs (six earned) while walking five and striking out seven. His numbers at the major league level have not been all that good, as he owns a 6.53 ERA, a 5.77 FIP, and a 1.57 WHIP in 41.1 innings with the Mets over parts of the last two seasons. Rhame will give Mickey Callaway another fresh arm to call upon in today’s game, should Zack Wheeler fail to provide length in his start.

Gagnon threw 97 pitches and helped the Mets by tossing 5.1 innings in relief of Steven Matz, who had a catastrophic start and failed to record an out in yesterday’s blowout loss. While he gave up six runs (five earned) in his outing, he did exactly what the Mets needed him to do in eating up innings in the lopsided affair. His reward is a ticket back to Syracuse, although he will likely be used in a similar role throughout the year, as will guys like Corey Oswalt and Chris Flexen.

So far, the Mets’ bullpen has been a revolving door that has frequently needed to call on guys from Syracuse. After starting the season with Tim Peterson, the team has since called up Oswalt, Gagnon, Paul Sewald, and now Rhame to join the pen. The team also has several other players who figure to see some action at the major league level this year, including Tyler Bashlor, Daniel Zamora, Eric Hanhold, and Ryan O’Rourke.