Mets Designate Veteran Reliever For Assignment in Surprise Move

The New York Mets made a roster move, designating Luis García for assignment and calling up pitcher Joey Gerber.

Apr. 12, 2026 at 3:37pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A cubist, geometric painting depicting a baseball pitcher's windup and delivery broken down into sharp, overlapping planes of navy, forest green, and burnt orange, conveying the concept of roster changes and pitching adjustments.The Mets' bullpen shakeup exposes the team's willingness to make bold roster moves in search of improved pitching performance.Syracuse Today

The New York Mets made a surprising move before Sunday's series finale against the Athletics, designating veteran reliever Luis García for assignment and calling up pitcher Joey Gerber. García, who the Mets signed to a one-year, $1.75 million contract in the offseason, struggled in his limited appearances early this season, posting a 7.11 ERA over 6.1 innings. The Mets have made multiple bullpen moves in the last two days, also designating Richard Lovelady for assignment and calling up Craig Kimbrel.

Why it matters

The Mets' bullpen has been a concern early in the season, with relievers like Luke Weaver struggling. The team is hoping that adding Kimbrel and now Gerber will help stabilize the bullpen as they look to turn things around after a four-game skid.

The details

García didn't help his case in limited appearances early this season, posting a 7.11 ERA over 6.1 innings, allowing 11 hits and two walks. Gerber, meanwhile, has less than 20 games of major league experience under his belt, but in his limited time at Triple-A Syracuse this season, he posted a 5.40 ERA over five innings.

  • The Mets made the roster moves before Sunday's series finale against the Athletics.
  • The Mets designated Richard Lovelady for assignment and called up Craig Kimbrel yesterday.

The players

Luis García

A 39-year-old veteran reliever who the Mets signed to a one-year, $1.75 million contract in the offseason.

Joey Gerber

A right-handed pitcher who has less than 20 games of major league experience, but has been called up by the Mets to join the bullpen.

Richard Lovelady

A reliever who the Mets designated for assignment yesterday, as part of their recent bullpen moves.

Craig Kimbrel

A reliever who the Mets called up yesterday, as part of their recent bullpen moves.

Luke Weaver

A Mets reliever who has struggled in his last two appearances, allowing six earned runs and seeing his season ERA skyrocket to 8.10.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

The Mets are hoping that adding Kimbrel and Gerber will help stabilize their bullpen as they look to turn things around after a four-game skid.

The takeaway

This move highlights the Mets' ongoing efforts to improve their bullpen, which has been a concern early in the season. The team is making roster changes in an attempt to find the right mix of relievers to support their struggling offense.