The Mets are signing right-handed pitcher Jose Ureña to a minor league deal.
Ureña, who is in the clubhouse at spring training on Thursday, told reporters — including Tim Healey of Newsday — about the deal.
New York’s starting pitching depth has taken a hit recently, with injuries to Sean Manaea and Frankie Montas that will keep Manaea out until at least April and Montas sidelined until at least May.
Ureña was solid last season for the Rangers, posting a 3.80 ERA (4.62 FIP) and 1.32 WHIP in 109.0 innings over nine starts and 24 relief appearances.
His advanced stats last season were a mixed bag. Ureña had well above average fastball velocity, and an elite ground ball rate (50.6 percent). He was about average when it came to walk rate and barrel percentage, and a bit below average regarding hard hit percentage, average exit velocity, and pitching run value.
Ureña worked as a starter only in 2023, when he started 10 games for the Rockies and White Sox.
If the Mets use Ureña as a starter, he’ll add to the depth that has been depleted.
As things currently stand, Kodai Senga, Clay Holmes, and David Peterson are expected to begin the season in the rotation, with Paul Blackburn, Griffin Canning, and Tylor Megill competing for the fourth, fifth, and — possibly — sixth spots on the starting staff.
Manager Carlos Mendoza said earlier this week in the wake of Manaea’s injury that the team is now undecided about whether to open the year with a six-man rotation.
During his 10-year big league career, the 33-year-old Ureña has a 4.76 ERA and 1.40 WHIP in 948.1 innings over 232 games (152 starts) for the Marlins, Tigers, Brewers, Rockies, White Sox, and Rangers.
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