Mets Promote Blade Tidwell for MLB Spot Start

The New York Mets are calling up 23-year-old right-handed pitcher Blade Tidwell from Triple-A Syracuse to make his MLB debut as a spot starter during their weekend series against the St. Louis Cardinals. Tidwell, the Mets' 2022 second-round draft pick and the team's No. 15 prospect, has recorded a 5.00 ERA with 37 strikeouts and just 10 walks in 27 innings this season. Club officials say his performance has exceeded what his ERA reflects, and his promotion, which surprised Tidwell, comes amid a 13-game stretch without a day off and several starters on the injured list. The Mets plan to temporarily use a six-man rotation as a result. Tidwell is known for his mid-to-upper 90s fastball and improved strikeout-to-walk ratio. His debut also continues the trend of Tennessee baseball alumni reaching the majors.