Mets Bullpen Shaky Again in Wednesday’s Loss
When it rains, it pours.
And well, although the Mets offense has been pouring it on with absolutely blazing performances, the Mets bullpen has been a different type of storm – more like a torrential downpour.
After a 7-5 loss to the Nationals on Wednesday evening, the bullpen woes are now more apparent than ever. Christian Scott left the game midway through the sixth, and the arm barn was tasked to hold a one-run lead through the end of the game.
Jul 3, 2024; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; New York Mets relief pitcher Jake Diekman (30) throws a pitch against the Washington Nationals during the seventh inning at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Rafael Suanes-USA TODAY Sports
Adam Ottavino, who hasn’t been without his fair share of struggles this season, managed his way through an inning of work before Jake Diekman was tasked with getting one out with two away in the seventh.
Unfortunately, a walk, a double, and two singles later, the Nationals had taken a 6-5 lead, one they would hold on to until the game’s end.
Diekman, who has struggled all season long, gave up his 21st walk of the season, contributing to a 17.5 percent walk percentage, which ranks in the bottom one percent of the league this season.
In fact, the Mets pitching staff carries the highest walk percentage in the league so far this season, at 10.1 percent.
That’s a higher walk percentage than the 25-63 Chicago White Sox.
Diekman isn’t the only Mets reliever who has struggled.
Ottavino holds his highest season ERA since 2017, but has been stronger since an abysmal month of May. Tyler Jay couldn’t keep it together on Monday night, and hosts an unfortunate 2.14 WHIP through his small sample size of innings pitched.
These bullpen struggles have been compounded by the fact that Edwin Díaz was suspended ten games for violating MLB’s policy on “sticky stuff” while pitching in Chicago. Plus, Sean Reid-Foley, Drew Smith, Brooks Raley, and Shintaro Fujinami are all missing varying amounts of time.
The reliable pieces thus far have been unexpected, with converted reliever Adrian Houser, Reed Garrett, and Dedniel Núñez stepping up when necessary; the latter of whom has continued to impress since his recall to the team a couple of weeks back.
On the bright side, there is a bit of hope.
The Mets have brought José Buttó back from Triple-A to help with long relief, and Kodai Senga is set to return relatively soon. Tylor Megill, who has struggled in his recent starts, can hopefully also provide support as a reliever if necessary. Additionally, Díaz’s suspension will be up next week, and Fujinami is currently on a rehab assignment.
Needless to say, support is on the horizon. Plus, the trade deadline is just a few weeks away. The Mets have to weather the storm until then, which has been a tall task as the pitching has lost two this week where the offense gave them 5-0 leads.
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