Privateer pitcher called up to the big leagues

WORCESTER, MA – JULY 7: Syracuse Mets RHP Eric Orze (50) throws a pitch during an MiLB AAA International League game between the Syracuse Mets and the Worcester Red Sox on July 7, 2023, at Polar Park in Worcester, MA. (Photo by Erica Denhoff/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

by: Mark Deane

Posted: Jul 6, 2024 / 05:54 PM EDT

Updated: Jul 7, 2024 / 11:50 AM EDT

NEW ORLEANS (WGNO) — Major League Baseball now has a Privateer among its ranks.

The New York Mets added UNO alum Eric Orze to its pitching staff. Orze is the first Privateer to make the big leagues since 2017.

The Mets selected Orze in the fifth round of the 2020 MLB Draft. He has a short trip to the majors from his Triple-A squad in Syracuse, where he has pitched in 25 games and is 3-0 this season with two saves and a 3.76 ERA.

Orze joins a Mets team that is making a run before the All-Star break, with 16 wins in 24 games in June. The Amazins are just two games shy of .500 after a rough start to the season.

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