New York Mets reliever Dedniel Nunez was optioned to Triple-A Syracuse on Sunday, the team announced.
The righty has been recovering from an elbow injury that had put his status for Opening Day in question. This move allows him to properly ramp up for MLB action a little farther down the road during the opening portion of the 2025 season.
Nunez suffered a strained flexor tendon in late July, and after one appearance in late August, was shut down for the remainder of the season. The 28-year-old developed into a key late-inning option for manager Carlos Mendoza in his debut season, posting a 2.31 ERA with 48 strikeouts in 35 innings of work.
With Nunez out of consideration for the Opening Day roster, a spot opens up for either Max Kranick or Huascar Brazoban.
Once a starter, Kranick has developed into a legitimate relief option for New York after a strong spring. In seven appearances (11.2 innings), the 27-year-old righty posted a 1.59 ERA with 14 strikeouts compared to just one walk.
Brazoban, who was acquired from the Miami Marlins at last year’s trade deadline, has a 1.86 ERA in 9.2 spring innings, with 13 strikeouts and six walks. He struggled in his half-season introduction to the Mets last season, posting a 5.14 ERA and 1.524 WHIP in 19 appearances.
Stats courtesy of Baseball Reference.
