Mets add Ure?a on Minors deal for rotation depth (source)

PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. -- With multiple injuries clawing at their rotation depth, the Mets made a small move to shore it up on Thursday, agreeing to terms on a Minor League contract with right-hander José Ureña. The Mets have not announced the deal, because it is pending a physical. A source confirmed the contract is worth $2 million if Ure?a reaches the Majors.

A 33-year-old veteran of 10 big league seasons, Ure?a threw 109 innings with a 3.80 ERA last season for the Rangers. He still features one of the game¡¯s harder fastballs, averaging 96 mph with that pitch, though his strikeout rate last year was one of the lowest in MLB.

Ure?a offers the Mets insurance in the wake of injuries to Sean Manaea and Frankie Montas. Manaea is out until mid- to late April due to a right oblique strain, while Montas is unlikely to return before late May due to a high-grade right lat strain.

With those two sidelined for Opening Day, the Mets will proceed with a rotation of Kodai Senga, Clay Holmes, David Peterson, and two of Paul Blackburn, Griffin Canning and Tylor Megill.

Ure?a will join the Mets¡¯ second wave of starting pitching depth, which currently consists of Justin Hagenman and Brandon Waddell. It could eventually come to include prospects Brandon Sproat, Blade Tidwell and others. Team officials have consistently expressed disinterest in adding a more prominent arm, such as Jose Quintana.

Best known for his six seasons in the Marlins¡¯ rotation from 2015-20, Ure?a has bounced to six other clubs since that time. He¡¯s largely been a starter outside of last year, when he made 24 of his 33 appearances out of the bullpen.