In a remarkable turn of events, Grant Hartwig, who had originally chosen to pursue a career in medicine over baseball, was called up to the majors by the Mets for his debut performance. The right-handed reliever showcased his skills during Monday’s game, contributing to the team’s 11-1 victory over the Astros. Hartwig faced a minor hiccup when he allowed a leadoff single to Mauricio Dubon in the ninth inning, but quickly recovered by inducing a double-play from Cesar Salazar. He then walked Grae Kessinger, only to have Yainer Diaz ground into a fielder’s choice. Despite the pressure, Hartwig delivered an impressive performance, throwing just 16 pitches and securing his first major league win. He couldn’t help but feel overwhelmed with joy as he celebrated with his parents, who had managed to make it to the game in time. The odds seemed stacked against Hartwig, as he was a talented pitcher in college but went undrafted in 2021. However, his dedication paid off when the Mets reached out to him after the draft. Hartwig had made significant strides in his career, progressing from Single-A all the way to Triple-A last year. This season, he recorded a 4.21 ERA in 25 ²/₃ innings with Syracuse, demonstrating his potential. With Drew Smith suspended due to using sticky substances, the depleted Mets bullpen needed reinforcements, leading to Hartwig’s promotion. In a surprising turn of events, Hartwig received the news while in the Syracuse clubhouse, causing him to react in shock and excitement. Although uncertain about the future, Hartwig remains open to the possibility of pursuing medicine alongside his baseball career. Mets manager Buck Showalter encouraged Hartwig, assuring him that both paths are feasible. Meanwhile, Francisco Alvarez faced a potential injury setback during the game when he took a foul ball off his right hand. X-rays revealed no major damage, but his availability for the next game was uncertain. Alvarez remained optimistic and stated that he felt good, but ultimately, the trainer would make the final decision. The incident occurred when Martin Maldonado fouled a pitch directly into Alvarez’s hand while on base. Despite the discomfort, Alvarez completed the inning after receiving treatment. He explained that he doesn’t keep his throwing hand behind his back during steal attempts, allowing him to release the ball more quickly. In other news, Joey Lucchesi received recognition as the International League Pitcher of the Week. In his last two appearances with Triple-A Syracuse, Lucchesi has been exceptional, allowing only two runs in 13 ⅔ innings while striking out 15 batters. Although he has experienced a lackluster performance in the majors this season, with a 4.43 ERA, he is determined to bounce back and regain his form.
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