In the second inning of Wednesday’s game, Justin Hagenman approached the mound and began throwing warm-up pitches.
And then it struck him.
He was a major leaguer.
“I was like, ‘All right, this is real,'” the Mets right-hander said following his team’s 4-3 loss to the Twins in ten innings at Target Field. “And then you step on the mound for the first pitch, and here we go.”
After seven minor league seasons, the 27-year-old Hagenman, whom the Mets signed to a major league contract in the offseason, received his chance, and he did not disappoint.
Selected from TripleHagenman, Syracuse’s sixth “starter” due to Griffin Canning’s illness, pitched 3 ¹/₃ innings behind opener Huascar Brazobán and allowed one earned run on three hits with four strikeouts.
“He gave us what we asked for,” manager Carlos Mendoza said.
Hagenman’s appearance was most likely a cameo, as he is expected to return to Syracuse on Thursday when the Mets place Jose Siri on the injured list with a fractured left tibia.
This transaction will allow the team to recall reliever Max Kranick as the corresponding roster move without waiting 15 days.
Kranick was optioned to Syracuse to clear roster space for Hagenman.
Once Hagenman is optioned, the Mets can select a Syracuse player (possibly José Azócar) to add to their outfield depth.
Canning will start Thursday’s series opener against the Cardinals at Citi Field, followed by David Peterson, Kodai Senga, and Clay Holmes.
The addition of the sixth starter allows Senga, in particular, to get more rest during this 13-game stretch.
Hagenman understands the roster situation, but he also anticipates future opportunities in the major leagues.
“This is where you want to be, so no matter what happens, it’s: How can we get back here?” Hagenman explained. “How can we stay here as long as we can and pitch as many games as possible with these guys?
“That’s the best feeling in the world being out there, so it’s whatever we can do and now that I realize it’s all that it was and better.”
