The Mets are taking a chance on a reeling reliever in an attempt to bolster their bullpen.
The club claimed veteran lefty Brad Hand off waivers on Thursday after the former Nationals closer was designated for assignment by the Blue Jays earlier in the week. He is expected to join the Mets this weekend in Washington, possibly as early as Friday’s series opener.
Hand began the year with the Nationals, with whom he recorded 21 saves, before being dealt to the Blue Jays at the trade deadline. But the 31-year-old struggled with Toronto, posting a 7.27 ERA in 11 games.
“We understand that he’s been going through some struggles lately, but this can be a refresh for him,” manager Luis Rojas said. “I think it’s an upgrade for us. It’s a great acquisition by our front office, sending a message to us, the team, and the whole Mets nation out there that we’re fighting for this [playoff push].”
Rojas said he expects to use Hand mostly in the middle innings to counter left-handed batters, who have hit .213 with a .625 OPS against him this season.
“There’s some division rivals and some teams we’re going to see for the remainder of our schedule that have important left-handed batters in the middle of their order,” Rojas said. “This guy can help us shut them down.”
Sandy Alderson, who assumed GM duties Thursday as Zack Scott was placed on administrative leave, had interest in Hand last offseason. But Alderson didn’t become president until after the former Indians closer had passed through waivers and Hand subsequently signed with the Nationals.
Because he was added to the roster after Aug. 31, Hand would not be eligible for the postseason if the Mets make it. Geoff Hartlieb was designated for assignment to make room for Hand on the roster.
James McCann, who has been on the injured list since Aug. 17 with lower back spasms, could be activated sometime during the Mets’ series against the Nationals this weekend.
The catcher took batting practice, threw to bases and participated in catching drills Thursday. He is still in a running progression, which will determine when will be cleared to play again.
With Tomas Nido (thumb sprain) also back on the IL, the Mets have been using Patrick Mazeika as their regular catcher with Chance Sisco backing him up.
Jacob deGrom is continuing to play catch at longer distances — almost up to 100 feet, per Rojas — but it remains to be seen when he will progress to throwing off a mound. … The Mets called up reliever Yennsy Diaz and sent OF Khalil Lee back to Triple-A Syracuse — a day after calling him up for a game that was rained out. … RHP Jake Reed (forearm inflammation) and 1B/OF Jose Martinez (torn meniscus, hyperextended shoulder) began rehab assignments Thursday with Syracuse.