The Mets have selected the contract of right-hander Jerad Eickhoff. Outfielder Mason Williams was designated for assignment to create space on the 26-man and 40-man rosters.
Eickhoff signed a minor league deal in December that will now pay him $1.5MM for reaching the big league roster. The righty (who turns 31 in July) has spent his entire MLB career in the NL East, having pitched with the Phillies from 2015-19 and initially looking like he could be a solid member of the rotation. Injuries overshadowed Eickhoff’s last three years in Philadelphia, however, and after being cut loose by the team, he inked minors contracts with the Padres and Rangers in 2020 but didn’t see any big league action.
After a doubleheader against the Nationals yesterday and another doubleheader set for Monday against the Braves, the Mets will give Eickhoff a quick opportunity to take the ball. Eickhoff could receive a start in one of Monday’s two games, unless he is needed to relief duty in today’s game against Washington. Since New York has yet another doubleheader coming up on Friday against the Phillies, Eickhoff might find himself in line for another outing over that weekend series against his old team. Joey Lucchesi just went on the 10-day IL, leaving the Mets a little shorthanded for pitching depth during this busy week.
Williams hit .212/.297/.333 in 37 plate appearances after his contract was selected by New York in late May. Once a top prospect coming up in the Yankees’ farm system, Williams has only played sparingly over parts of seven MLB seasons with the Yankees, Reds, Orioles, and this year’s action with the Mets.
great to see him back
Mason Williams DFA once again. Maybe he’s better off as a coach or a new career.
I think he still has some value as a player. Not much, some.
Mason Williams has never been given a good shot at stocking long term with any of the organizations he’s been with.
He clearly has talent — just needs the right situation. Arizona? Baltimore?
Unfortunately, he was probably going to be pushed out anyway once position players came back. Almora was the first. McNeil may be next, followed by Conforto, then possibly Nimmo and Davis. I believe Jose Martinez is on a major league contract, but he wouldn’t displace anyone. It may be hard for McKinney to hold onto his spot.
He’s 29 and hasn’t had success in over 400 plate appearances. His minor league stats are very unimpressive. 4th round pick. There’s a reason he hasn’t been handed the keys to a chance at a starting job. No real reason to think he’s any better than he’s been, he is what he is: a fourth outfielder for a desperate team, nothing more.
He already had his chance in Baltimore.. go kill it in the JPL
Padres should grab Williams and dfa Grady immediately.
They’ll Have To Trade For Him …
Mets Just Got a Warm Body for BOOM, BOOM Barnes Yesterday….
With Luchessi’s injury, Jerad Eickhoff makes the most sense. He has the experience even though his recent minors stint has not been too impressive. Eickhoff can be more than serviceable. Mets have a lot of double headers coming up. They need arms. This is going to be their first real test, and I think they’ll do just fine. I think Eickhoff will be a big part of that.
These double headers may actually be a blessing in disguise. Covering 7 innings is a lot easier than 9 and they have quite a few guys who can go 2+ innings with just one day in between.
One would think that three guys who have started could cover 21 outs. Then again, Rojas used 4 pitchers to get 7 outs when he pulled a very effective Peterson after 4 2/3. I truly think his bullpen use will hurt us.
Lucchesi sure didn’t look hurt sitting in the dugout, laughing. “Shoulder inflammation” just when he is getting us some very quality innings right when we need it the most.
All this protecting pitchers and testing them every time they don’t feel 100%. News flash, NO PITCHER only takes the mound every start when he only feels great, including those in the Hall.
Good call, Von purple