Photo by Ed Delany, MMO
When the New York Mets signed Dellin Betances this offseason, they added the type of back-end relief pitcher that can really improve the team’s ceiling in 2020.
Signing Betances did not come without risks however, as the 31-year-old is coming off an injury-plagued season that saw him record just two outs.
Coming into spring training, Betances has given no indication that he will not be ready for Opening Day, but now there is some doubts as the velocity has not returned to his fastball.
Dellin Betances (recovery from last season's Achilles tear) said he's still working on getting his fastball up to speed, but Opening Day shouldn't be an issue. pic.twitter.com/fXDXgjaNzE
— Anthony DiComo (@AnthonyDiComo) March 3, 2020
Last year around this time, Betances noticed a similar decline in his velocity, prior to being shut down by the Yankees on March 19, 2019.
Tests from the doctors proved that Betances had a bone spur in his throwing shoulder, forcing him on the IL for the first five months of the season.
After a long road of rehab to recover from the shoulder injury, Betances made his season debut on September 15 against the Toronto Blue Jays. The hard-throwing right-handy struck the first two batters he faced before tearing his Achilles tendon, effectively ending his Yankees career.
An Achilles tear is one of the hardest injuries for an athlete to recover from, casting a shadow of doubt over Betances’ ability to return to pre-injury form. Shoulder injuries can also follow a pitcher throughout their career, which may be the reason for his dip in velocity.
Still, Betances does not seem too concerned about any injuries right now. Betances told Anthony Rieber of Newsday that he feels good and is trying to build up.
“I know myself for a long time,” Betances said.
Betances has yet to appear in a Grapefruit League game, but has thrown live batting practices.
Here’s Dellin Betances as he throws his fourth live batting practice of spring ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/FHlvUtfUsd
— Deesha (@DeeshaThosar) March 3, 2020
Across the first 12 days of the season, the Mets will have three days off. With the ability to maneuver their bullpen easier during that time, the Mets should not rush Betances just to have him available for Opening Day.
Instead health needs to be the priority for Betances, so when he does finally get into game action, New York will have him for the length of the season.
