Mets Acquire Justin Garza, Sign Julian Merryweather

The New York Mets have acquired right-handed reliever Justin Garza from the San Francisco Giants for cash considerations to strengthen their pitching depth. Garza, 31, has a career 5.74 ERA over 38 MLB appearances and has posted a 6.11 ERA with 20 strikeouts in 17.2 innings for Triple-A Sacramento this season. The Mets plan to use Garza as minor league depth for now, hoping he can follow the success of recent acquisition Jose Castillo. The team has also signed right-handed pitcher Julian Merryweather to a minor league deal. Despite recent injuries, the Mets continue to lead MLB in team ERA and hold a 40-24 record atop the National League East. No immediate roster move is required, as Garza was on a minor league deal with the Giants.