Gagnon missed nearly three months due to elbow discomfort last year, but managed to post a solid 3.93 ERA and 1.31 WHIP over 94 innings (18 appearances, 14 starts). The 31-year-old righty last appeared in the majors with the Mets back in 2019.

Gagnon was designated for assignment Wednesday and will become a free agent rather than return to the Mets' minor-league system. The 29-year-old owns a career 7.32 ERA in 35.2 major-league innings.

The Mets needed to protect several players from the Rule 5 draft, and Gagnon was a roster casualty. The 29-year-old righty had a 8.37 ERA in 23.2 innings last season.

Gagnon has struggled mightily with the big club this season, posting an 8.74 ERA and 1.72 WHIP in 17 appearances, but he's been much better at Triple-A (2.33 ERA, 1.08 WHIP). The right-hander will provide depth to the bullpen over the final three-plus weeks of the regular season.