Photo by Chris Simon
Tim Britton and Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic report that Mets’ reliever Drew Smith is being placed on the 15-day injured list with a strained lat muscle. The right-hander hasn’t pitched since Sunday when he allowed one run in his inning of work against the Padres.
After getting off to a great start to the 2022 season, Smith has struggled mightily recently with nine runs allowed in his last eight appearances. The 28-year-old has been a key cog in the Mets bullpen this year with a 3.51 ERA and 47 strikeouts in 41 innings.
Britton and Rosenthal also report the following possible dates for the return of three players currently on rehab assignments:
- Tuesday: Jacob deGrom – The two-time Cy Young winner allowed four runs in four innings with six strikeouts in his most recent rehab start on Wednesday for Triple-A Syracuse.
- Wednesday: Trevor May – The right-handed reliever allowed one run in his inning of work on Wednesday for Syracuse. He’s expected to try to pitch back-to-back games soon.
- Thursday: James McCann – The Mets’ catcher is beginning his rehab assignment tonight with Double-A Binghamton.
The Mets were in the market for at least one reliever before the Smith injury and are certainly looking to add multiple relievers. The Mets did trade one of their relievers, Colin Holderman, last week when they acquire slugger Daniel Vogelbach. The left-handed hitter has reached base in five of his first eight plate appearances with the Mets.
They’ve shown interest in Cubs closer David Robertson. Other names like former Mets Michael Fulmer and Daniel Bard are free agents following this season and could be on the trade block.
The Mets bullpen is certainly missing a consistent left-handed reliever as well with Joely Rodriguez struggling to a 5.93 ERA and Chasen Shreve released earlier this month.
Tim Healey from Newsday reports that the Mets will announce a corresponding roster move tomorrow before their series against the Miami Marlins.
