Blade Tidwell sharper in second Mets' spot start despite little notice
Share and Follow

PHILADELPHIA — After a rainout in Syracuse, Blade Tidwell was finished for the day.

He was about to begin playing some “Fortnite” on Thursday night when his plans changed.

The pitching-desperate Mets burned Justin Hagenman’s arm in relief in their finale in Atlanta.

So at about 10 p.m., Tidwell was told he was starting Friday.

To make roster space for Tidwell, the Mets optioned Hagenman

“Just got into the car,” Tidwell mentioned as he and his girlfriend embarked on a 4 ½-hour journey south in preparation for facing one of the top offenses in baseball.

Tidwell was better, if not excellent, in an emergency spot start during a 10-2, series-opening loss to the Phillies at Citizens Bank Park.

After a May 4 debut in St. Louis went wayward — six runs in 3 ²/₃ innings — the 24-year-old prospect held his own over three scoreless innings.


Blade Tidwell throws a pitch during the first inning of the Mets' 10-2 blowout loss to the Phillies on June 20, 2025.
Blade Tidwell throws a pitch during the first inning of the Mets’ 10-2 blowout loss to the Phillies on June 20, 2025. AP

He ran into trouble in a fourth inning he would not escape, perhaps a victim of circumstance.

For the first time all season, he was starting consecutive games on four days’ rest. He typically gets at least five days’ rest with Syracuse.

In his outing Sunday, he had thrown just 66 pitches. For that reason, manager Carlos Mendoza did not want to give him much of a leash.


Blade Tidwell throws a pitch during the Mets' loss to the Phillies.
Blade Tidwell throws a pitch during the Mets’ loss to the Phillies. Getty Images

In the fourth inning, singles by Nick Castellanos and J.T. Realmuto and a walk to Bryson Stott loaded the bases.

Tidwell managed to get Otto Kemp to hit a ground ball, but the defense comprising Brett Baty, Jeff McNeil, and Pete Alonso was slightly slow in executing the play, resulting in the game’s first run being scored.

With 74 pitches thrown, the right-handed pitcher was substituted after giving up four hits and three walks, while also securing four strikeouts. Jose Castillo took over but allowed another run to cross the plate.

“I thought the fastball had life. I thought the cutter, shorter slider, to go with the sweeper, was a lot better, as well,” Mendoza said.

Tidwell added: “It went better than the last, but there’s still work to be done.”

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
Illegal immigrant accused in DUI crash that killed college soccer player, girlfriend: report

Tragic DUI Crash Involving Undocumented Immigrant Claims Lives of College Soccer Star and Girlfriend

A tragedy unfolded in Rowan County, North Carolina, where a man is…
Brooklyn Beckham 'holds all the power' with footage of Victoria

Brooklyn Beckham Holds Key Footage of Victoria, Highlighting His Influence

Brooklyn Beckham holds exclusive access to contentious wedding footage after making dramatic…
Native American group vows Supreme Court fight over woke New York mascot ban

Native American Group Challenges New York’s Mascot Ban in Supreme Court Showdown

A Native American advocacy group has announced its determination to escalate a…
Is there more to Macron's sunnies than meets the eye?

What’s Behind Macron’s Choice of Sunglasses? An In-depth Look

Social media has been abuzz with conspiracy theories following the unusual appearance…
Minnesota pastor condemns anti-ICE agitators who interrupted service: ‘Shameful and unlawful’

Minnesota Pastor Criticizes Anti-ICE Protesters for Disrupting Service: ‘Shameful and Unlawful Actions

A Minnesota church has urged community leaders to safeguard places of worship…
Cause of death revealed weeks after woman died following Universal Orlando ride: report

Shocking Discovery: Cause of Woman’s Tragic Death After Universal Orlando Ride Finally Unveiled

The identity and cause of death of a 70-year-old woman have been…
Georgia teen Lequan Stephens arrested after father turns him in following pair of shootings

Georgia Teen’s Arrest: Father Turns in Son After Involvement in Twin Shootings

In a turn of events that underscores the complexity of familial ties…
Closing arguments set in former Uvalde officer's trial over actions during 2022 school attack

Closing Arguments Begin in Trial of Ex-Uvalde Officer Over 2022 School Shooting Response

In Corpus Christi, Texas, the trial of a former school police officer…