With reliever Tim Peterson getting tagged for three earned runs in an inning and two thirds on Monday, the race for the last bullpen spot is on.
The first six relief pitchers expected to be on the Opening Day roster include Edwin Diaz, Jeurys Familia, Seth Lugo, Robert Gsellman, Justin Wilson, and Luis Avilan.
Assuming the Mets go with a seven-man bullpen, there is just one last spot up for grabs, with six relievers battling for it.
The Mets have a tough choice ahead of them having to choose between Hector Santiago, Tyler Bashlor, Kyle Dowdy, Ryan O’Rourke, Daniel Zamora and the aforementioned Peterson. Each player has a fair chance to make it, but who is the best choice?
Hector Santiago – Has done well the majority of spring, however, in Sunday’s game he gave up six runs on seven hits over two-thirds innings bringing his Grapefruit League ERA to 9.45. Having said that, it might make more sense to start him in the minors especially because he is here on a minor’s deal anyway and once he is added to the major league roster he cannot be sent down. Before Sunday, Santiago had given up just one run over six innings this spring giving up only four hits and collecting 12 strikeouts.
Tyler Bashlor – Seems to be a favorite at the moment even with a 5.59 ERA over nine and two-thirds innings pitched. Bashlor’s most recent outing was also on Sunday giving up one earned run on four hits over two innings pitched. This was one of his better outings as he has given up a total of six earned runs, four walks, and only two strikeouts so far this spring. His numbers in the majors last year do reveal his immaturity in this setting, but that shouldn’t stop him from getting another opportunity this season.
Kyle Dowdy – He has had a rough spring as his 7.36 ERA over 7 1/3 innings pitched would attest. His last outing on Monday, however, was his best yet. Dowdy pitched three scoreless innings, allowing three hits and two walks while striking out a pair. With Dowdy being a Rule 5 pick, the Mets would have to offer him back to the Cleveland Indians if he fails to make the opening day roster.
Ryan O’Rourke – Has been doing very well this spring, and could very well be among the favorites. He has struck out ten while walking four and has a 2.16 ERA over 8 1/3 solid innings. With a career ERA of 3.04, you can argue he has the better track record among the other five options and it doesn’t hurt that he is a left-handed pitcher.
Tim Peterson – Has a 5.40 ERA over his eight and one-third innings pitched this spring. Was tagged for three earned runs on four hits in 1 2/3 innings on Monday. He seemed to be doing well before this last outing, having allowed just three hits in six and two-thirds innings pitched. only giving up three hits in that time. He posted a 6.18 ERA over 27 2/3 innings last season.
Daniel Zamora – Was looked upon as a lock to make the team going into spring training. However, he has an unsightly 9.95 ERA this spring over 6 1/3 innings pitched. He has allowed seven earned runs and six walks and it’s very likely that Zamora will start the year in Syracuse. The Mets have a talented left-handed reliever in O’Rourke who has impressed this spring.
This is the last week of Grapefruit League play before the Mets have to make their final decision. Let’s hope they make the right one.
