Back in January, Sandy Alderson pulled a Jerry Dipoto and wiggled himself into a trade at the last minute. The trade was first reported as being just between the Pirates and the Padres, with the Pirates sending Joe Musgrove to San Diego and starter Joey Lucchesi being a piece going back to Pittsburgh. However, the Mets came out of nowhere and wound up being a third team in the deal and landing Lucchesi instead. The Mets sent Endy Rodriguez to the Pirates in exchange.
The southpaw was brought in as fifth starter depth with the potential to be an arm out of the bullpen.