Mets claim Orioles pitcher with latest roster move

The New York Mets made another late-season roster adjustment Thursday, reshaping their 40-man roster as they continue evaluating depth options for September and beyond.

The Mets announced the transactions Thursday afternoon in a post on their official X account, formerly Twitter, outlining the roster moves.

“We have made the following roster moves:

RHP Cameron Weston has been claimed off waivers from Baltimore and optioned to Triple-A Syracuse.

C Shawn Ross was designated for assignment.”

The move brings right-hander Cameron Weston into the organization after the Baltimore Orioles designated him for assignment Tuesday. The Mets immediately optioned the 26-year-old to Triple-A Syracuse, while catcher Shawn Ross lost his 40-man roster spot.

Weston made his only major league appearance May 28, throwing a scoreless inning vs. the Toronto Blue Jays, striking out Andres Gimenez. He posted a 7.89 ERA across 51 1/3 Triple-A innings with Norfolk this season.

The Orioles selected Weston in the eighth round of the 2022 draft out of Michigan and added him to its 40-man roster in May. The club optioned him the day after his debut, then briefly recalled him in July without using him.

His Triple-A results included a high strikeout rate but also an elevated walk rate. Weston remains optionable after this season, giving New York flexibility while they evaluate their pitching depth.

Ross, also 26, joined the Mets on a waiver claim from the Pittsburgh Pirates on August 2 but never appeared in a game. He made his major-league debut July 25 with the Pirates and went 1-for-5 with a two-run homer over two games. Ross has experience at catcher, first base, and several other infield and outfield positions.

Thursday’s moves came on an off day after New York took two of three from the Tampa Bay Rays. The Mets are 63-77 and out of contention after reshaping the rotation and moving Kodai Senga to the bullpen.

Weston will report to Syracuse and can return if an opening develops. The Mets have seven days to trade Ross. Another club can claim him, or New York can outright him if he clears.