The New York Mets’ bullpen has been a point of concern for a large portion of this season. A few factors have played a key role in that. Injuries to Brooks Raley and Drew Smith, inconsistencies from Adam Ottavino and Jake Diekman among others, and more recently, Edwin Díaz receiving a 10-game suspension. But one guy that they have been able to heavily rely on in big moments is Dedniel Núñez.
Pitching in high leverage spots can be difficult for anyone, especially a rookie. But the 28-year-old has stepped up, carving out a major role for himself. With Díaz unavailable on Saturday, Núñez stepped into the closer role and filled it well. He threw two perfect innings, finishing off a 7-3 win over the Rockies to earn his first career save.
Núñez entered the game in the top of the eighth inning. Runners on first and second base with no outs, as Mets held a slim 4-3 lead. A double play to start Núñez’s outing would have been ideal, and he got one. Elías Díaz grounded into a 4-6-3 double play and one pitch later, Brenton Doyle popped up to Pete Alonso, ending the Rockies’ scoring chance.
The right-hander would come back out to pitch in the ninth inning, but in much different circumstances. Francisco Lindor all but put the game away with a three-run home run in the bottom of the eighth. All of a sudden, Núñez was pitching with a four-run lead. That did not affect his level of aggression, striking out the side to complete to win and notch his first save.
“It’s something where it’s more than being blessed, more than grateful, more than excited. I’m really appreciative of the opportunity and I have to continue to go out there and attack the hitters and do my job,” Núñez said after the game.
Through 30 2/3 innings pitched, he has a 2.35 ERA and a 0.815 WHIP. He has recored six outs or more in eight of his 21 appearances, showcasing his versatility. The Mets need to add one, maybe two relievers at the trade deadline if they decide to go for it. But that does not change the fact that they have Díaz and now Núñez at the backend of the bullpen. Getting the ball to Díaz with a lead has been an issue in the past, but not anymore. Núñez has established himself as a dominant and confident setup man for the Mets.
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