The New York Mets continue to struggle to stay competitive in the National League East, where they currently sit in second place, tied in wins with the Phillies. However, injuries to their pitching staff threaten to hinder their performance for the remainder of the season.
That is why the New York team has been forced to look for alternative solutions, by less traditional means, such as resorting to a rookie to open a key game against the Yankees, or signing its first amateur player from the European continent.
New York Mets injury list
Currently, a long list of pitchers are on the injured list, including key names such as Jose Butto (illness), Kodai Senga (hamstring), Tylor Megill (elbow), Sean Manaea (oblique) and Paul Blackburn (shoulder), among others, bringing the total to more than a dozen inactive pitchers, which has created serious challenges for the coaching staff.
Due to this situation, the Mets were forced to give rookie Justin Hagenman his first Major League start last Friday in the series opener against the New York Yankees.
Who is Matteo Marelli, the Mets’ new signing?
Amid these difficulties, the Mets made an unconventional hire that, while it will not have an immediate impact on the Major League team, could represent a promising investment for the future.
According to MLB.com’s Anthony DiComo, the club signed an amateur player from Europe for the first time in its history: Italian pitcher Matteo Marelli
Marelli, 19, has played in Italy’s Serie A baseball league, where he has a 5.15 ERA in 39 appearances. Although he had earned a scholarship to study and play at Arizona Western College, he chose to sign directly with the Mets and begin his professional career in the Dominican Summer League.
This move marks an important step in the internationalization of talent in MLB and positions the Mets as pioneers in exploring non-traditional markets such as Europe.
New York Mets upcoming games
Meanwhile, the New York team continues its schedule against the Yankees over the weekend, before embarking on a tour of Baltimore and Kansas City. They will then return home to face the Cincinnati Reds and Los Angeles Angels.
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