Nathan Lavender: Everything you need to know

Lavender (elbow) has posted a 4.50 ERA, 1.13 WHIP and 13:3 K:BB in eight innings over eight relief appearances for Triple-A Syracuse since being reinstated from the 7-day injured list May 9. Lavender didn't pitch at all during the 2025 season while completing his recovery from a May 2024 internal brace surgery and then another procedure this past summer to remove a bone spur in his left elbow. The 26-year-old was brought along slowly in spring training and opened the season on the shelf for Syracuse, but he was cleared to make his 2026 debut for the affiliate after completing a nine-appearance rehab assignment between Single-A St. Lucie and High-A Brooklyn.

Lavender (elbow) cleared outright waivers Wednesday and was returned to the Mets. The Rays acquired Lavender via the Rule 5 Draft last winter, so now that he's been outrighted off the Rays' 40-man roster, he'll return to the Mets' farm system. The 25-year-old lefty missed all of last season while recovering from an internal brace procedure, and he underwent another surgery in August to remove a bone spur in his left elbow. His availability for spring training remains unclear.

The Rays activated Lavender (elbow) from the 60-day injured list and designated him for assignment. Lavender underwent surgery in late August or early September to remove a bone spur in his left elbow. It's possible he'll be available for the start of spring training. However, he'll be exposed to waivers after Thursday's move. Lavender, who turns 25 in January, has yet to make his MLB debut.