Mets’ Brad Brach Reinstated To Play Following COVID-19 Recovery

FREEHOLD, NJ – Pitcher Brad Brach has been reinstated from the Mets’ injured list, the latest roster change in a series of alterations of the anticipated bullpen lineup this season.

Brach was sidelined before the start of camp in July when he tested positive for COVID-19 after arriving at summer camp, spending nearly six weeks in recovery from the virus, according to MLB. The team played its first 17 games without the pitcher.

“I don’t know if I would have made a difference at all, but you always think that as a reliever,” Brach said before the Mets challenged the Nationals at Citi Field earlier this week.

Brach’s positive COVID-19 diagnosis marked the first time the 34-year-old had been on the injured list since his MLB career began in 2011.

The Freehold Township native was a late-season signing for the team in Aug. 2019. He previously played for the San Diego Padres, Baltimore Orioles, Atlanta Braves and the Chicago Cubs. He was inducted into the Monmouth University Athletics Hall of Fame in 2016.

The right-hander made 16 appearances with the Mets last season, pitching to a 3.68 ERA and 1.23 WHIP. After the season, the Mets re-signed Brach to a one-year $850,000 contract (which is now prorated, according to MLB).

Also reinstated from the injured list was fellow pitcher Walker Lockett, 26, who appeared in the Majors last year as a reliever. Both Brach and Lockett returned to play the Mets vs. Nationals game on Tuesday.

“I am glad Brad is back here with us,” manager Luis Rojas said in a statement. “He adds more experience to a season like this as a guy who can come in right away and attack, get batters out.”

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