Justin Garza Just Great in Mets Debut

Jeff McNeil was showered and crowned, Juan Soto homered and Pete Alonso had a clutch, game-tying single with two outs in the eighth inning off Nationals closer Kyle Finnegan. (Side note: Be careful running on James Wood.)

But there were a bunch of unsung heroes in New York’s 5-4 walk-off win in 10 innings Tuesday at Citi Field, too, including the newest Met, Justin Garza.

The 31-year-old right-hander entered in the eighth inning with two men on, one out, and the Mets trailing 4-2. He hadn’t thrown a pitch in a major league game since July 22, 2023, when, ironically, he faced the Mets as a member of the Boston Red Sox. (Side note: He gave up three runs on three hits, including a triple to Alonso.)

Garza, acquired for cash considerations from the Giants on Saturday and added to the roster Monday, struck out Alex Call on three fastballs, with strike three registering 98 mph. With two outs, he fanned Robert Hassell III swinging with a cutter, charging up the 38,472 in attendance who would soon witness the Mets improve to 25-7 at home.

Garza was one of five Mets relievers with a scoreless outing in relief of Griffin Canning, who gave up four earned runs in 5 1/3 innings. José Buttó and Jose Castillo each threw a scoreless inning with a strikeout in front of Garza and Edwin Díaz and Reed Garrett were dominant behind him.

In all, the bullpen allowed one hit and two walks while tallying seven strikeouts in 4 2/3 innings. Garza and company kept the Mets (43-24) in the game until the offense came through.

Garza made his MLB debut for Cleveland in 2021, pitching to a 4.71 ERA over 28 2/3 innings. He returned to the majors with Boston in 2023, giving up 15 earned runs in 18 1/3 innings. He then spent 2024 and this season—until Saturday—pitching in the minor leagues for the Giants organization.

He wasn’t excelling there, either, with a 6.11 ERA and 1.47 WHIP in 17 2/3 innings for Triple-A Sacramento, though he did earn six saves and post 10.2 strikeouts per nine innings. (Side note: He is at 27 strikeouts per nine innings for his Mets career.)

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