NEW YORK – The New York Mets selected the contract of 36-year-old right-handed pitcher Robert Stock from Triple-A Syracuse to start Sunday’s series finale against the Miami Marlins at Citi Field. The outing marks Stock’s first Major League Baseball start since the 2021 season and completes a remarkable comeback following surgical treatment for thoracic outlet syndrome in March 2026.
Stock experienced nerve compression symptoms while pitching for Team Israel in the World Baseball Classic early this spring, forcing him onto the injured list before the regular season began. Following procedure and rehabilitation, he launched an official minor league rehab assignment on June 19. Over two starts with Triple-A Syracuse leading up to his major league call-up, Stock allowed two runs on five hits and two walks while striking out nine batters across 7.2 innings pitched.
Surgical Recovery and Pitch Arsenal Expansion
A seasoned minor league journeyman who has pitched across four MLB organizations and spent time in South Korea’s KBO, Stock has frequently reinvented his pitch mix to sustain his professional career. Prior to the 2026 season, he publicly noted his addition of a knucklecurve pitch aimed at giving big-league clubs a fresh look despite a career characterized by sparse major league appearances.
While Stock last appeared in a major league game on June 8, 2025, for the Boston Red Sox, his last start came in 2021 during an earlier stint with the Mets. Team officials have indicated that Stock will operate on a restricted pitch count and limited workload during Sunday’s outing as he steps directly into the starting rotation against Miami right-hander Sandy Alcantara.
Roster Reshuffling Ahead of the Trade Deadline
Stock’s recall comes during a period of heavy roster turnover for the Mets as the front office prepares for Monday’s trade deadline. Alongside Stock, the club promoted 31-year-old pitcher Bryce Conley from Triple-A Syracuse for his major league debut. To make room on the active roster, the Mets optioned Jonathan Pintaro back to Triple-A despite a two-inning scoreless performance against the Marlins on Saturday.
To manage 40-man roster space, New York designated reliever Kevin Herget and outfielder MJ Melendez for assignment. Melendez, signed as depth in the spring, batted .192/.315/.350 with 10 extra-base hits across 144 plate appearances before losing regular playing time to outfielder A.J. Ewing.
Short-Term Pitching Rotation Outlook
The Mets are deploying Stock as a targeted depth option while primary rotation pieces remain sidelined. Veteran starter Clay Holmes remains on the 60-day injured list recovering from a fractured fibula, leaving temporary gaps in the starting staff. Stock’s tenure on the major league roster beyond Sunday will depend largely on front office moves leading into Monday’s deadline, including potential trade acquisitions involving active starters such as Freddy Peralta.