Independence Day for the Mets will be the one during which they don’t place a player on the injured list.
Before the team’s 6-5 victory over the Yankees on Friday, it was José Butto joining the IL with what the Mets classified as an illness.
Manager Carlos Mendoza declined to specify the ailment but said it’s not something expected to keep the right-hander sidelined long term and he will likely return immediately after the All-Star break without needing a minor league rehab appearance.
Butto, who last pitched in Pittsburgh on June 28, owns a 2.47 ERA in 31 appearances this season.
The Mets recalled right-hander Chris Devenski from Triple-A Syracuse to replace Butto in the bullpen.
Butto became the third Mets pitcher in two days placed on the IL. Paul Blackburn (shoulder impingement) and Dedniel Núñez (elbow sprain) were added to the list Friday.
Núñez, who potentially faces Tommy John surgery for the second time in his career, is scheduled to receive further medical evaluation next week, according to Mendoza.
A positive development for the club is Kodai Senga’s scheduled minor league rehab start Saturday for Double-A Binghamton.
Senga, who is rehabbing a hamstring strain, could need only one start in the minors before rejoining the Mets’ rotation next weekend in Kansas City.
Mendoza said he toyed with the idea of using Huascar Brazobán as an opener ahead of Justin Hagenman on Friday, but more valued Brazobán for a high-leverage situation.
Brazobán pitched the seventh inning scoreless after the Mets had taken a 6-5 lead.
Hagenman allowed solo homers to Jasson Domínguez and Aaron Judge in the first inning when the opener otherwise would have been utilized.
“We went back and forth — it was a discussion,” Mendoza said of the decision to save Brazobán for later. “We decided it was best to go straight with Hagenman and I am glad we kept it that way because Brazobán was available later in the game.”
Unless he is needed from the bullpen Saturday, left-hander Brandon Waddell is lined up to start the series finale Sunday.
The Mets need the extra starter following Tuesday’s rainout and subsequent doubleheader against the Brewers that left them shorthanded.
Waddell has appeared in seven games as a reliever this season.
The Mets signed lefty reliever Colin Poche to a minor league contract. Poche was designated for assignment by the club last week.
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