LOS ANGELES -- The Mets, who have proven inconsistent offensively throughout a five-game losing streak, are calling on a familiar face for help.
New York called up veteran outfielder Tommy Pham ahead of its series against the Dodgers in Los Angeles, optioning Ronny Mauricio back to Triple-A Syracuse.
“The newest 38-year-old prospect,” Pham quipped before making his 2026 debut in the Mets' 4-0 loss on Monday.
Pham, whom the Mets signed to a Minor League deal on March 27, ramped up with five appearances for Single-A St. Lucie, going 2-for-12 with a double and an RBI. This will be Pham’s second Major League stint with New York, after the Mets signed him to a one-year deal in 2023 and dealt him to the Diamondbacks at the Trade Deadline.
“A lot of smiles on the faces today,” Pham said of reuniting with his old teammates. “Happy I could provide some sunshine. Ultimately, playing in New York, it comes down to winning.”
Pham was productive in his 79 games with the Mets in '23, batting .268 with 10 home runs and an .820 OPS. Pham subsequently moved to the White Sox, Cardinals and Royals before spending 2025 with the Pirates, where he posted a .245/.330/.370 slash line with 10 homers and 52 RBIs. Since making his MLB debut for St. Louis in 2014, Pham has played for 10 clubs, tied with Shelby Miller and new Mets teammate Craig Kimbrel for the most among active players.
“I’m 38. When I show up, I’m prepared. I’m just a pro,” Pham said. “I know how to play the game. I love the game. That’s what you get. One thing I told myself this year, I’m going to go harder. I was thinking I want to leave everything on the table. So that’s what I got for you.”
The Mets hope Pham can bring some offensive punch to a club that was shut out Friday and Sunday amid a sweep by the Athletics at Citi Field. During their current five-game losing streak, which began two days after star outfielder Juan Soto was placed on the injured list with a right calf strain, the Mets have averaged just 1.6 runs per game.
"He’s a competitor, a pro, a guy that goes about his business the right way, the way he competes and how much he wants to win,” Mets manager Carlos Mendoza said. “A guy that knows what it takes to play here in New York and wants to be a part of it.”
Pham immediately found himself in Monday’s lineup for the series opener against Dodgers left-hander Justin Wrobleski. For his career, Pham owns an .802 OPS against lefty pitchers. For that reason, Mendoza said, he will likely start against most lefties, though it’s possible Pham could draw an odd start or two against a right-handed pitcher.
"He’s going to give you a professional at-bat,” Mendoza said. “There’s a lot of ways I could use him. A lot to offer.”
The roster casualty for Pham was Mauricio, whom the Mets had recently called up to serve as a backup infielder.
Mauricio hit a walk-off single in his first game but otherwise played sparingly. His roster spot was always vulnerable for that reason, as well as the fact that he had an accessible Minor League option.