The Mets’ acting general manager is on administrative leave, but the team is still making moves as it looks to save the season.
According to MassLive.com’s Chris Cotillo and Audacy MLB Insider Jon Heyman, New York is claiming veteran reliever Brad Hand off waivers, just days after he was designated for assignment by the Blue Jays.
Hand’s DFA in Toronto was considered a surprise, as the lefty had been acquired via trade with the Nationals shortly before the trade deadline. But Hand struggled badly with the Blue Jays, surrendering 10 runs, seven of them earned, in just 8.2 innings of work.
Hand was one of the best relievers in baseball over the past four years prior to this season. He pitched to a 2.05 ERA in 2020 before Cleveland declined his $10 million club option, and he latched on with the Nationals, where he posted a 3.59 ERA over 42.2 innings.
Hand, and perhaps Noah Syndergaard if the rest of his rehab assignment concludes without incident, could bolster the Mets’ bullpen as they look to climb back in the NL East.
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