Mets Shut Down Pitcher After Injury

The New York Mets will most likely be without Max Kranick for the start of the regular season due to a Grade 2 left hamstring strain.

Mets manager Carlos Mendoza announced the injury to beat writers on Thursday.

Kranick will be shut down for seven to 10 days to allow the injury to heal and then will need time to build back up to be in a position to start. It’s almost certain he will start the season on the Mets’ injured list.

It also takes Kranick out of the running, at least for now, to be the Mets’ fifth starter. It’s also another injury to deal with in the wake of Kodai Senga being shut down for three weeks with a shoulder injury.

The Mets claimed Kranick off waivers from Pittsburgh in January, one of many additions the Mets made to build depth on its staff, both in their rotation and bullpen.

Kranick made one start for the Mets in spring training, claiming the win in a two-inning outing in which he struck out two and walked none.

The Pirates stuck with Kranick through his Tommy John surgery in 2022 and activated him in September of 2023, but he never made it to the Majors before he was designated for assignment in January.

Kranick did reach the Majors in 2021 and threw five perfect innings in his debut against St. Louis. He also set the MLB record for most hitters retired to start a career with 15. He made nine starts with Pittsburgh that season, going 2-3 with a 6.28 ERA and 32 strikeouts.

The Pirates selected Kranick in the 11th round in 2016 out of Valley View High School in Archbald, Pa., and began his pro career with the Pirates rookie-level team later that year.