Mets Option Dedniel Nunez, Activate Lefty Jose Castillo

The New York Mets have optioned right-handed reliever Dedniel Núñez to Triple-A Syracuse to make room for newly acquired left-handed reliever José Castillo, addressing a bullpen imbalance caused by injuries to Mets' southpaws A.J. Minter and Danny Young. Despite Núñez's strong performance last season, he has struggled this year with control issues, including six walks in 3.2 innings pitched, leading to the decision to send him down. Castillo, acquired from the Arizona Diamondbacks, has had a difficult season with an 11.37 ERA in 6 innings but showed promise in Triple-A, prompting the Mets to add him to the roster. The move increases the Mets' lefty presence in the bullpen, which previously relied heavily on right-handed pitchers, with only Génesis Cabrera as a lefty reliever before Castillo's arrival. Castillo cannot be optioned to the minors without clearing waivers due to being out of minor league options, making him a more permanent addition to the team. Núñez remains a candidate to return to the Mets if bullpen injuries occur, as the team balances immediate needs against player development.