Daniel Duarte: Everything you need to know

The Mets optioned Duarte to Triple-A Syracuse on Wednesday. After being called up from Triple-A on Monday, the 29-year-old made his Mets debut a day later against the Nationals, tossing 2.1 scoreless innings out of the bullpen. The Mets sent him back to Syracuse in order to make room on the active roster for Wednesday's starting pitcher, Zach Thornton.

The Mets selected Duarte's contract from Triple-A Syracuse on Monday, Anthony DiComo of MLB.com reports. Duarte had exercised the upward mobility clause in his contract, so the Mets either had to add him to the major-league roster or risk losing him to another organization. They chose the former after Duarte posted a 2.60 ERA and 14:9 K:BB over 17.1 innings with Syracuse. When/if Duarte makes an appearance, it will be his first at the big-league level since 2024.

Duarte (elbow) made his Grapefruit League debut Tuesday in a 6-6 tie with the Astros, retiring one batter while allowing three earned runs on three hits and one walk. Duarte looks to be healthy again after he missed the entire 2025 season while recovering from UCL revision surgery on his right elbow, which he underwent in May 2024. Though the right-hander is nearly two years removed from his surgery, his poor showing in his spring debut indicates that he may need some time to regain his command. After signing with the Mets on a minor-league deal over the winter, Duarte is expected to open the 2026 campaign in the bullpen at Triple-A Syracuse.