Wed Apr 30 23:20:00 UTC 2025: ## Mets Turn to “Sixth Starter” Waddell Against Burnes in Series Showdown
**Flushing, NY –** The New York Mets face a crucial game against the Arizona Diamondbacks tonight at Citi Field, looking to secure a series victory. The Mets are deploying a “sixth starter,” Brandon Waddell, to give their rotation some much-needed rest before a stretch of Thursdays off. Waddell, recalled from Triple-A Syracuse, will make his first major league appearance since 2021. He boasts impressive numbers in Syracuse this season (1.54 ERA over 23 1/3 innings) and a solid record in the KBO and CPBL leagues.
The Mets will be facing Diamondbacks ace Corbin Burnes, a big off-season acquisition. While Burnes’ overall season stats (4.05 ERA, 4.73 FIP) aren’t spectacular, he has shown improvement in his last two starts.
The Mets are coming off a strong series opener, highlighted by three home runs and excellent defense, securing an 8-3 win. Kevin Herget’s multi-inning performance helped preserve the bullpen. In a roster move, Kevin Herget was optioned to Triple-A, while Waddell had his contract purchased. Waddell will sport jersey number 82.
Meanwhile, in Mets’ minor league action, the High-A Brooklyn Cyclones enjoyed a dominant 15-1 victory, fueled by three home runs from Jacob Reimer and two from Ronald Hernandez. Starter Joel Díaz continued his stellar season, lowering his ERA to 0.44. The Double-A Binghamton Rumble Ponies also secured a win, defeating their opponent 3-2. This game saw the Double-A debuts of pitcher Zach Thornton and reliever Ryan Lambert.
First Piper 