According to MLB.com, the New York Mets prioritize acquiring a reliever over retaining a fan favorite currently. This decision led to the team designating reliever Yohan Ramírez for assignment on Monday.
Ramírez endeared himself to Mets supporters during the opening series against the Milwaukee Brewers by intentionally throwing behind Brewers’ designated hitter Rhys Hoskins, a former Philadelphia Phillies first baseman.
This action resulted in Ramírez’s ejection from the game and a subsequent three-game suspension, which he is appealing. Additionally, his manager, Carlos Mendoza, received a one-game suspension due to the incident.
To fill the void left by Ramírez, the Mets have called up Cole Sulser.
Ramírez’s stint with the Mets saw him appear in three games, tallying a win-loss record of 0-1 with an ERA of 11.81. Over 5.1 innings, he surrendered nine hits, seven earned runs, and four walks, while striking out six.
Having debuted in the Majors in 2020 with the Seattle Mariners, Ramírez has since played for multiple teams including the Cleveland Guardians, Pittsburgh Pirates, and Chicago White Sox before being traded to the Mets in December by the White Sox in exchange for cash.
However, being designated for assignment does not necessarily preclude Ramírez from returning to the Mets. He would need to clear waivers unclaimed first.
On the other hand, Sulser, initially a non-roster invitee to spring training, signed a minor-league deal with the Mets in November. He was then assigned to Syracuse to commence the season.
Sulser boasts Major League experience spanning the past five seasons, starting in 2019 with the Tampa Bay Rays. Subsequently, he played for the Baltimore Orioles in 2020 and 2021, the Miami Marlins in 2022, and most recently, the Arizona Diamondbacks last season.
