LI's Stephen Ridings moves crosstown from Yankees to Mets
New York Yankees relief pitcher Stephen Ridings is interviewed after the 13-1 win against the Baltimore Orioles in an MLB baseball game at Yankee Stadium on Tuesday, Aug. 3, 2021. Credit: Kathleen Malone-Van Dyke
Huntington's Stephen Ridings swapped baseball franchises Tuesday, but he’ll still be a hometown talent.
The Mets on Tuesday claimed the pitching prospect off waivers from the Yankees. Ridings is two years removed from an impressive major-league debut, but in 2022 the oft-injured righthander pitched just two rehab innings in the minors because of shoulder issues.
Ridings, 27, who attended St. Anthony’s High School, made five major-league appearances in 2021 for the Yankees, striking out seven in five innings while showcasing a triple-digit fastball, a hard sinker and a late-breaking slider.
Ridings’ velocity, improved command and height (6-8) are impressive, but his injury history is far less so. He had Tommy John surgery before beginning his professional career, was waylaid by a back injury after impressing in 2021 and suffered a shoulder impingement before spring training last season.
Ridings has 71 appearances over five minor-league seasons, with 19 starts, and is 12-8 with a 4.19 ERA and 204 strikeouts in 144 innings.
The Mets can decide to option Ridings to the minors, saving a spot on their 40-man roster, though he could be in the mix for spring training.
Laura Albanese is a reporter, feature writer and columnist covering local professional sports teams; she began at Newsday in 2007 as an intern.
