In January, the New York Mets bolstered their bullpen and agreed with left-handed reliever Antonio Bastardo on a two-year, $12 million dollar deal.
Bastardo, 30, is expected to join Addison Reed as the primary setup relievers for closer Jeurys Familia.
So far, the veteran lefty has struggled so far this Spring, posting a 7.94 ERA and 1.597 WHIP in six Grapefruit League appearances. On Tuesday, Bastardo was tagged for three runs and three hits while only managing two outs.
Fred Kerber of the New York Post writes that both Terry Collins and pitching coach Dan Warthen admitted to being troubled by Bastardo’s location.
“Like Dan said the other day, he came in and threw his changeup and his slider and today he went back to his fastball,” Collins said.
“Maybe that was part of his game plan. I haven’t talked to him about it. But we have to get to the corners that’s for sure.”
Said Warthen, “His velocity’s been decent. He’s been 89-to-92. I’m worried about his location right now and he’s not using his pitches properly. But I’m sure we’re going to get to that.”
Last season, Bastardo went 4-1 with a 2.98 ERA and one save in 66 relief appearances with the Pittsburgh Pirates.
