Justin

Garza

The 31-yearold hurler was sent outright to Triple-A Syracuse earlier in the week but Garza refused the outright assignment and will instead peddle his wares on the open market. He sports a 5.40 ERA, 1.35 WHIP and a 3/1 K/BB ratio across 6 2/3 innings in five appearances at the major league level this season.

Garza went unclaimed on waivers after being DFA’d two days ago. He can become a free agent if he likes. He’ll be one at season’s end, regardless.

The procedural move frees up a spot on New York’s 40-man roster for top pitching prospect Brandon Sproat ahead of Sunday’s game against the Reds. Garza posted a lackluster 5.40 ERA across 6 2/3 innings over five appearances for the Mets earlier this season.

The Mets called up Garza on Tuesday, but with José Buttó back from the IL, Garza will head back to the minors without throwing a pitch.

Garza is up with the Mets for the second time after allowing four runs in 6 2/3 innings last month. The 31-year-old journeyman had a 10.38 ERA in 8 2/3 innings for Triple-A Syracuse.

The reliever carousel continues for New York with Garza returning to the minors after spending less than 48 hours with the club as extra middle relief depth. The 31-year-old righty allowed four runs over two innings on Friday night in a calamitous outing against the Phillies.

Garza returns to the big leagues ahead of Tuesday’s series opener against Atlanta as extra bullpen depth with starter Tylor Megill hitting the injured list with an elbow sprain. The well-traveled 31-year-old fired 3 2/3 scoreless frames over three relief appearances earlier this month after coming over from the Giants in a small trade.

Garza returns to the minors after reeling off 3 2/3 scoreless frames over three relief outings since being called up earlier this week. The 31-year-old figures to return to New York at some point in a few weeks.

He’ll join the bullpen. Garza was just picked up from the Giants after posting a 6.11 ERA in 17 2/3 innings for Triple-A Sacramento this season. The 31-year-old has a 5.74 ERA major league ERA from his 21 appearances with the Guardians in 2021 and 17 appearances with the Red Sox in 2023.

Alcántara and Garza are the most prominent inclusions among the latest batch of cuts for San Francisco as they continue to pare down their camp roster. Olivarez was a notable pitching prospect a couple years ago, but has been derailed by injuries.