Mets Sign RHP Dominic Leone to MLB Deal

The New York Mets announced on Thursday that they’ve signed right-handed reliever Dominic Leone to a major league deal and he will be active for today’s game. The Mets also activated Justin Verlander off the injured list. To make room on the active roster, relievers John Curtiss and Zach Muckenhirn have been optioned to Triple-A Syracuse. To make room for Leone on the 40-man roster, the Mets moved catcher Omar Narváez to the 60-day injured list.

Leone, 31, recently opted-out of his deal with the Texas Rangers. The veteran had a 1.59 ERA and 15 strikeouts compared to only two walks in 11 1/3 innings for the Rangers Triple-A affiliate this season.

Leone pitched to a 4.01 ERA in 55 appearances in the big leagues for the Giants last season and was even better in 2021 with a 1.51 ERA in 57 games for the Giants. The Connecticut native has a 3.69 ERA and 373 strikeouts in 356 career major league innings.

The right-hander averaged 95.5 mph on his fastball each of the last two seasons. Leone’s go-to pitch is his slider with opponents having the following batting average and slugging percentage against over the last four seasons:

• 2022: .188 avg/.328 SLG
• 2021: .091/.091
• 2020: .111/.111
• 2019: .192/.346

Leone does have significant splits in his career, holding righties to a .688 OPS and lefties hitting him hard for a .809 OPS.

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