Mets claim right-handed pitcher Stephen Ridings from Yankees
Ahead of the 6 p.m. ET roster deadline, the Mets made a waiver move to bolster the organizational bullpen depth claiming right-handed pitcher Stephen Ridings off waivers from the Yankees on Tuesday afternoon. He was drafted out of Haverford College in the eighth round of the 2016 draft by the Chicago Cubs. Over five minor league seasons with the Yankees, Cubs and...
Ahead of the 6 p.m. ET roster deadline, the Mets made a waiver move to bolster the organizational bullpen depth claiming right-handed pitcher Stephen Ridings off waivers from the Yankees on Tuesday afternoon.
The 6-8 Ridings is a native of Long Island and played high school baseball at St. Anthony’s High School in South Huntington. He was drafted out of Haverford College in the eighth round of the 2016 draft by the Chicago Cubs.
A big reliever with a big arm, Ridings throws in the high 90s but he’s been hindered by injuries. He missed all of last season with a shoulder impingement. He threw 2.0 relief innings in two rehab outings in September. Ridings nearly had thoracic outlet syndrome surgery to relieve the impingement but was able to avoid the procedure.
The 27-year-old Ridings pitched in five games for the Yankees in 2021, posting a 1.80 ERA with seven strikeouts and two walks. Over five minor league seasons with the Yankees, Cubs and Kansas City Royals, he’s 12-8 with a 4.19 ERA over 144 innings pitched and 204 strikeouts.
Ridings should be a bullpen option for the Mets during spring training and since he’s able to be optioned he gives the club some flexibility. It’s a gamble on a player with poor health history but he pitched well in his limited appearances with the Yankees.
This was the first roster move made ahead of the deadline to protect players from the Rule 5 Draft.
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