Anthony DiComo of MLB.com reports the New York Mets will be calling up Vinny Nitoli from Triple-A Syracuse on Friday. Nitolli will add a fresh arm in the Mets bullpen before the three game set against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizen’s Bank Park.
Nittoli, 32, was acquired from the Chicago Cubs on June 2 in exchange for future considerations. Nittoli was already on the 40 man roster, and as a result, there is no corresponding 40 man roster move required.
Nittoli began the 2023 season season with the Chicago Cubs organization. After 16 appearances with their Triple-A affiliate, Nittoli exercised his opt out clause necessitating a trade.
Nittoli has made three Major League appearances in his career. He has allowed two earned runs on one hit and three walks over three innings pitched. He has also recorded one strikeout.
Nittoli got off to a poor start with Syracuse. He allowed two homers and three earned runs against the Lehigh Valley IronPigs. After that appearance, Nittoli has pitched much better.
Mets announce they’ve sent cash to the Cubs for right-handed reliever Vinny Nittoli.
Nittoli pitched two scoreless innings for the Phillies last year and has a 3.48 ERA in Triple-A this year.
Features a high spin four-seamer and slider.
— Mike Mayer (@mikemayer22) June 2, 2023
Over his past three appearances, he has pitched 3 1/3 innings allowing no runs on one hit. He has not walked a batter, and he has struck out two batters. He recorded a save in his last appearance, his first one of the season.
Overall, Nittoli has made five appearances for Syracuse. Over 5 1/3 innings pitched, he has one save, a 5.06 ERA, 0.938 WHIP, 1.7 BB/9, and a 6.8 K/9. Between the Cubs and the Mets Triple-A affiliates, Nittoli has pitched 26 innings over 21 appearances. He is 1-1 with one save, a 3.81 ERA, 1.154 WHIP, 2.8 BB/9, and a 9.0 K/9.
Nittoli’s best pitch is his slider which he throws at an above average spin rate. He combines that with a low 90s fastball. With his pitch mix, he generally keeps the ball in the ballpark.
Nittoli has one option remaining. As a result, the Mets will be able to send him back down to the minors without him needing to pass through waivers.
