Eric Orze has overcome cancer twice in ‘crazy journey’ to big leagues with Mets

PITTSBURGH — After the visiting clubhouse in Worcester, Mass., had mostly emptied Friday night, Eric Orze took a moment to consider his journey and was overcome with emotion.

The Mets reliever had earlier received the news, with teammates present, from Triple-A Syracuse manager Dick Scott that he had been added to the major league roster.

Orze, 26, was diagnosed with testicular cancer six years ago and underwent two surgeries.

He later was found to have skin cancer and required further treatment.

A contrite Edwin Diaz earns save for Mets in first game back after suspension

“It’s been a crazy journey,” Orze said at PNC Park before the Mets beat the Pirates, 5-2 . “A lot of ups and downs. [Friday’s news] meant a lot. At first I was kind of smiling and kind of happy and the clubhouse cleared out a little, I was packing some of my stuff and got a little emotional for a second and all those tough times came back for a minute and all of it was worth it. All of it made me the person I am today and the player I am so I wouldn’t change anything.”

Ty Adcock was optioned to Syracuse to create roster space for Orze, who had spent parts of four seasons with Syracuse.

He has been in spring training three times with the Mets, but had to wait until Friday for his promotion to the majors.

In 26 appearances this season, Orze pitched to a 3.76 ERA for Syracuse with 56 strikeouts in 31 ¹/₃ innings.

Pirates manager Derek Shelton ejected during key at-bat in Mets’ win

“What a great story,” manager Carlos Mendoza said. “It’s a credit to him and player development and he’s been through a lot in his life. He’s a big leaguer now. It’s pretty special.”

Jose Butto appears to have adjusted to the bullpen following his arrival last week from Syracuse, where he had pitched as a starter.

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR STARTING LINEUP NEWSLETTER

The right-hander pitched 1 ²/₃ innings scoreless Saturday behind David Peterson.

It followed a Tuesday relief appearance in Washington in which he pitched two scoreless innings.

“He’s looked really good and the biggest thing as he continues to adjust to this is making sure we give him enough time to get ready, which was the case today,” Mendoza said. “We gave him a heads up way ahead of time … we’ll continue to see how he’s feeling each and every day and go from there.”

Francisco Alvarez, who didn’t start, replaced Luis Torrens for the bottom of the ninth inning to catch Edwin Diaz. It’s a tactic Mendoza has used previously.

Mendoza said at some point Torrens will be asked to catch Diaz, but for now familiarity is the key.

For the latest in sports, top headlines, breaking news and more, visit nypost.com/sports/