2026 Transactions: Mets Claim Abner, Astros Promote Hendrickson

Josue De Paula, Luis De Leon, Jackson Kent, and Colton Gordon were among the notables demoted on September 23, which also saw the Mets make another waiver claim. Additionally, the Astros promoted pitcher Josh Hendrickson to the Majors, seven years after he was drafted by Philadelphia.

Abner lands with Mets

The Mets claimed Philip Abner off waivers from the Giants.

Abner struck out four over 4.2 IP across five outings with San Francisco this season, after starting 2026 with the Diamondbacks. He wasn’t charged with an earned run in four of his five outings.

The lone exception was on September 18, when he allowed five earned runs in one inning versus the Dodgers.

Astros select journeyman

The Astros selected left-hander Josh Hendrickson from Triple-A Sugar Land.

Hendrickson, 29 years of age, spent two years outside of affiliated baseball after the Phillies released him in 2023. The Aussie started 2026 on the Team Australia WBC roster, and then struck out 106 over 113 innings with the Space Cowboys this season.

His arsenal includes two low-to-mid-90s fastballs, a slow low-70s curveball, as well as a slider, cutter, and changeup.

Recalls & options

Trey Gibson (Orioles), Heston Kjerstad (Orioles), Chase Lee (Blue Jays), Gus Varland (Nationals), Mason Englert (Nationals), CJ Van Eyk (Blue Jays), and Gavin Collyer (Rangers) were recalled from the Minors.

Alex Cook (Rays), Colton Gordon (Brewers), Nate Eaton (Red Sox), Luis De Leon (Orioles), Jose Rodriguez (Blue Jays), Josue De Paula (Dodgers), Jackson Kent (Nationals), Winston Santos (Rangers), and Kyle Hurt (Dodgers) were optioned.

Other notes

The Brewers selected the contract of pitcher Lyon Richardson from Triple-A Nashville.

Xzavion Curry (Mets) and Connor Brogdon (Guardians) were designated for assignment.

Twins catcher Alex Jackson was outrighted to Triple-A St. Paul.