Max Kranick hits injured list with elbow strain in latest Mets pitching blow

Join Post Sports+ for exciting subscriber-only features, including real-time texting with Mike Puma about the inside buzz on the Mets.ATLANTA — Max Kranick is the latest member of the Mets’ pitching staff with right-elbow concern.The reliever was placed on the injured list Thursday with a strain in the elbow and returned to New York for an MRI exam.

Earlier this week, Tylor Megill was placed on the IL with inflammation in his elbow.Kranick appeared in two games last weekend following his recall from Triple-A Syracuse.The right-hander has pitched to a 3.65 ERA in 24 appearances for the club.Dedniel Núñez and Justin Hagenman were recalled from Triple-A Syracuse.

Ty Adcock was optioned to create the second roster spot.Kranick had soreness, according to manager Carlos Mendoza, following his Sunday appearance, but the team gave him extra time to see if he would recover.He still had discomfort after receiving treatment, playing catch and throwing from a mound Wednesday.“It’s very similar to what Megill experienced on the secondary pitches,” Mendoza said before the Mets’ 7-1 loss to the Braves.Núñez had five appearances in his first stint with the Mets this season and pitched to a 7.36 ERA.

The right-hander was a key piece of the Mets’ bullpen in the second half last season.Mendoza said Núñez had shown recent improvement with his control.“Especially the strike-throwing ability, attacking hitters and that is what he is,” Mendoza said.

“He’s a guy that when he gets ahead and he’s able to use that slider and the secondary pitches, we felt like the last couple of outings he did that so he’s getting another chance.We all know how important how important he was for our bullpen last year and we’re hoping we can unlock some of that at this level.”Hagenman was needed in relief on this night and pitched 2 ²/₃ innings of scoreless relief to help preserve the bullpen.

But his usage removed him from Friday’s mix: He was likely to pitch ...