Mets Add Castillo, Herget Claimed by Braves

The New York Mets acquired left-handed reliever José Castillo from the Arizona Diamondbacks for cash considerations, addressing bullpen depth after losing A.J. Minter and Danny Young to season-ending injuries. Castillo, recently designated for assignment after posting an 11.37 ERA in five major league outings, will join Génesis Cabrera as a left-handed option in the Mets’ bullpen. To make room, the Mets designated right-hander Kevin Herget for assignment; Herget was subsequently claimed by the Atlanta Braves and optioned to Triple-A Gwinnett. Dedniel Núñez, struggling with control since returning to the majors, was demoted to Triple-A to work on his command. The Mets are expected to pursue further bullpen additions before the trade deadline, targeting veterans such as Brent Suter, Kyle Finnegan, and Pete Fairbanks. The Diamondbacks, meanwhile, await the return of key relievers from injury as they seek to bolster their own left-handed relief options.