NY Mets prospect gets another shot because of a pitching meltdown against the Braves

Thursday night was supposed to be the New York Mets’ chance to stop the bleeding after dropping the first two games in Atlanta. Instead, it quickly became another night to forget. The pitching staff unraveled in ways that forced Carlos Mendoza to burn through options he hoped to save, even calling on a starter a day early to stem the tide. Walks piled up, frustration grew, and instead of a much-needed win, it turned into a scramble for answers. Now, with their rotation shaken and Blade Tidwell officially called up to make the next start, the Amazins' hope to steady the ship against Philadelphia.

The NY Mets, following a night of control struggles and tough choices, will start Blade Tidwell in their crucial series opener against the Phillies.

Clay Holmes started strong enough, navigating the first three innings without much trouble. But by the fourth, control issues began to surface. Walks and hits started to pile up, and the Braves took advantage, crossing the plate to take the lead. The fifth inning was the real unraveling. Holmes, laboring on a high pitch count, lost command completely, issuing two more walks and allowing a single before walking in the go-ahead run. What had looked like a solid start turned into a costly struggle that forced Mendoza into a tough spot far earlier than expected.

Enter Huascar Brazobán, tasked with stopping the bleeding and stabilizing the game. Instead, Brazobán found himself in similar trouble almost immediately, walking the first batter he faced before managing to escape further damage. The sixth inning brought more of the same: a single, two walks, and a bases-clearing double that turned a close game into a near blowout. At that point, Mendoza was left with little choice but to turn to Justin Hagenman, the pitcher originally slated to start Friday’s series opener, to mop up and protect what remained of the bullpen.

That decision was the night’s defining moment, one that sent ripples beyond the final out. With Hagenman called upon unexpectedly, the Mets faced a serious rotation dilemma heading into Philadelphia. Now that Tidwell has been officially named the Friday starter, despite throwing 66 pitches and allowing six runs in 3.2 innings in his last outing on Sunday, Mendoza still faces the challenge of avoiding another taxing bullpen game as New York tries to rebound.

The combined nine walks allowed by Holmes and Brazobán left the Mets in a precarious position, exposing the fragile depth of a pitching staff stretched thin. What should have been a critical win to halt a losing skid instead became a scramble for answers, and a reminder that every walk and missed opportunity carries weight far beyond the scoreboard.

Thursday’s meltdown was more than just a tough loss; it was a stark reminder of the Mets’ thin pitching margin. Burning through starters and walking batters at crucial moments has put Mendoza in a difficult spot just before a pivotal series. As the team looks ahead to Philadelphia, the challenge is clear: find stability on the mound or risk letting one rough night snowball into something far bigger.