Mets weighing Dylan Ross call-up to bolster bullpen
Relief-pitching depth in focus as team considers promoting flamethrower Dylan Ross for weekend help
The Mets are weighing a call-up for flamethrower Dylan Ross to bolster their bullpen, potentially joining the club as soon as Saturday in Miami, according to industry sources. Ross, who dominated for Triple-A Syracuse this season, owns a 2.17 ERA across 49 appearances at three levels. In 28 appearances for Syracuse, he posted a 1.69 ERA with 39 strikeouts in 32 innings. The Mets selected Ross in the 13th round of the 2022 draft from the University of Georgia. Team officials view him as a potentially better version of Ryne Stanek, and if promoted, he would likely be used in mid-leverage situations with seventh-inning duties a possibility. He also could be part of the National League wild-card roster if the Mets clinch a playoff spot.
Ross has been working out in Florida since Syracuse’s season concluded this week, as executives weigh whether to add him to the bullpen in time for a weekend series in Miami.
The Mets’ bullpen has been stretched by Reed Garrett’s elbow inflammation, which could require Tommy John surgery, creating a back-end opening. Ryan Helsley’s uneven results since arriving at the trade deadline have further weakened late-inning options. Francisco Alvarez, who homered in the previous two games, was benched for Thursday’s 8-5 win over the Cubs as manager Carlos Mendoza took a cautious approach with the catcher. Alvarez is coping with a ligament sprain in his right thumb that will require surgery after the season, and he also broke his left pinkie earlier this month on a minor-league rehab assignment. He began September with an .861 OPS and four homers. Luis Torrens started at catcher, with Alvarez available off the bench.
Kodai Senga threw a bullpen session in Port St. Lucie two days after a just OK live batting practice session, as the Mets evaluate his next steps. Senga had started twice for Triple-A Syracuse after agreeing to a minor-league assignment Sept. 5 to work on his mechanics. The club will monitor developments over the weekend before deciding on Senga’s status for upcoming games.
If Ross proves ready, he could provide immediate help in mid-leverage roles and could be in the mix for late-inning duties or even the wild-card roster if the Mets reach the playoffs. The team remains cautious but hopeful about adding depth as it pursues a postseason berth.
The Mets will continue to evaluate options over the coming days as they try to stabilize a bullpen that has been tested by injuries and inconsistency this season.