Justin Hagenman Shines in Surprise MLB Debut, Impresses in 3.1 Innings for Mets

Justin Hagenman didn’t know he was making his MLB debut until the night before, but when the moment came, he rose to the occasion. Pitching 3.1 solid innings against the Twins on Wednesday, the 28-year-old right-hander made the most of a surprise opportunity.

“It was everything I hoped for and more,” Hagenman said. “I was just glad I could settle in and treat it like a normal game.”

Hailing from Voorhees, N.J., Hagenman got the call-up from Triple-A when scheduled starter Griffin Canning was sidelined due to illness. After arriving from Syracuse, he entered the game in the second inning following Huascar Brazoban, who opened with a scoreless first but walked the first batter of the second.

Thrown into action with a runner already on base, Hagenman responded by striking out the first batter he faced.

“Once I got that first out, I could finally settle in,” he said. “It was a good feeling.”

He followed with a flyout and another strikeout to finish the inning. In the third, he froze DaShawn Keirsey Jr. on a full-count sinker for his third strikeout, but later allowed a single and a double to put runners in scoring position. Still, the Twins couldn’t capitalize, thanks to a timely out at home on a fielder’s choice and Hagenman finishing the inning with another punchout.

“Everything just felt different at first, hard to describe,” he said. “But I was able to find my rhythm, stick to my strengths, and get solid results.”

Manager Carlos Mendoza praised his debut: “He threw strikes, mixed pitches well, worked fast. Gave us exactly what we needed.”

With his family in the crowd — who managed to travel on short notice — Hagenman pitched into the fifth, exiting after 50 pitches (32 for strikes) with a runner on second. That runner eventually scored after reliever Jose Butto gave up a single to former Met Harrison Bader.

“Just really thankful they could be here,” Hagenman said of his family. “You don’t get this moment twice. It meant a lot.”

After the game, the Mets announced Canning will return to start Thursday against the Cardinals, followed by David Peterson on Friday. That likely means Hagenman will be optioned back to Triple-A, but he walks away having lived his big league dream — and with mementos like the balls from his first pitch and first strikeout.

Despite a rocky start this year in Syracuse, Hagenman — who owns a 3.95 ERA across his minor league career — may have earned himself more chances down the road with his strong performance.

“I’m still soaking it all in,” he said. “But it’s been a great experience.”

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