The Mets’ bullpen is due for more turnover attributable to the impending return of Dedniel Núñez from the injured list, who is expected to be activated ahead of Friday’s bout with the San Diego Padres.
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New York’s bullpen has posted a 3.42 ERA and 10.67 strikeouts per nine since the start of the second half on July 19, both of which rank inside the top-three among National League teams over that stretch. The unit has performed admirably since the trade deadline as well with a 3.63 ERA and 3.30 FIP, though their walk rate of 14.3% has been the worst in the league by a healthy margin.
Núñez’s presence will be a welcome reprieve for the bullpen given he only walks 2.16 batters per nine and has excelled at every turn throughout the season, which is further evidenced by his 2.43 ERA and 12.15 punch outs per nine across 24 appearances and 33 1/3 innings.
Finding the odd man out amongst the Mets’ relievers upon his return is easier said than done, however. Edwin Díaz isn’t going anywhere, nor is Phil Maton, who owns a 1.72 ERA and 2.85 FIP since arriving via trade from the Tampa Bay Rays in early July. Jose Buttó has minor league options left, but his value as a multi-inning reliever and overall success since moving to the bullpen (1.35 ERA in 26 2/3 IP) is far too immense for the team to seriously consider demoting him at this juncture.
Huascar Brazobán and Ryne Stanek have both disappointed since landing in New York at the trade deadline, but the former is far more likely to be off the active roster in the near future. Brazobán, after recording a 2.93 ERA and 2.64 FIP with the Miami Marlins this season, has allowed seven earned runs and seven walks across 10 innings as a Met thus far. The 34-year-old is all out of sorts right now, and after throwing 36 pitches on Thursday night, the club could utilize his remaining options and send him to Triple-A Syracuse for a reset.
Reed Garrett is also eligible to be demoted, but it would come as a shock if New York took that plunge. A favorite of manager Carlos Mendoza in late-game situations, Garrett was one of the league’s best relievers in March and April with a 0.57 ERA and 28 strikeouts over 15 2/3 innings. It hasn’t been as pretty since, however, as he’s responsible for a 5.64 ERA and 5.93 walks per nine since May 1. Furthermore, since Garrett was activated off of the injured list on August 10, he’s made four appearances to a 6.75 ERA. Still, the Mets clearly have some level of trust in Garrett and believe in his upside, so he’s likely not on the chopping block despite a compelling case for him to be.
Adam Ottavino and Danny Young could also cede their spots to Núñez after both were candidates to be replaced by Garrett several weeks ago. Neither pitcher is used frequently in high-leverage spots, but both have enjoyed strong second halves up to this point. Over that time period, Ottavino’s ERA sits at 3.48 in 10 1/3 innings while Young’s is at 2.19 across 12 1/3 frames. Young does have an option remaining, but he’s the only left-hander in the Mets’ bullpen and has only improved as the season has gone along. Ottavino has been rock-solid recently as well, though he’s lacking a clearly-defined role and Mendoza doesn’t appear to have a ton of confidence remaining in the 38-year-old.
It’s shaping up to be another tough personnel decision for the Mets, but the most logical decision would be to option a reliever as the rosters are set to expand to 28 players on September 1. The team needs all hands-on-deck during their playoff push, and designating a veteran arm such as Ottavino for assignment would hurt their depth and actively work against their goals.
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