At this point in the season, the Mets have very heavily relied on their two most effective relievers Seth Lugo and Robert Gsellman. As a result, last week manager Mickey Callaway mentioned that he will finally begin to throw some of the teams young relievers into the fire to see what they have going forward.

He has seemed to stick to his word, as over the past couple of days, we have seen guys like Tyler Bashlor, Bobby Wahl, Paul Sewald and Jacob Rhame get some chances.

Although, amongst these youngsters the one who has stood out the most has been 24-year old righty Drew Smith. In a small sample size, Smith has shown a ton of promise in his rookie year in orange and blue.

After throwing a pair of scoreless innings and striking out two on Tuesday against the Reds, Smith was called upon again on Friday against the Marlins after Jerry Blevins walked the leadoff man in the top of the ninth.

Smith was easily able to get the first batter he faced to roll into a double play, but his command then got the best of him as he walked the next batter on four pitches. However, he was able to settle down and easily close out the Mets 6-2 win.

Over eight big league innings, Smith has allowed two earned runs while walking three, striking out four, and posting a 2.25 ERA and a 1.38 WHIP. Prior to his promotion, Smith registered a 2.88 ERA and a 4-1 record over 34.1 innings pitched between Double-A Binghamton and Triple-A Las Vegas.

Smith has displayed two very nice weapons in his arsenal, his fastball and curveball. The fastball averages 95.9 MPH, and his tremendous curveball is his swing-and-miss pitch. The curve has generated a 20% swing and miss percentage and 36% chase rate in the majors.

The biggest problems for Smith early on in his minor league career were some command issues, but he has seemed to be able to work through them. This year he is averaging just a combined 3.2 BB/9, and allowing 0.7 HR/9 innings.

Smith has looked very poised and in control in the big leagues thus far. Although he hasn’t been utilized all that much, I like what I have seen from him. Smith has been able to throw strikes and keep the ball in the park, two big problems in the Mets bullpen.

If Callaway continues to keep his word, Smith figures to be in line for a ton of work over the next month and a half. If the righty can continue doing his thing Smith can certainly fill a hole in 2019, and will be a very valuable piece for the Mets bullpen moving forward.