The sophomore blues were real for Mets pitcher Robert Gsellman in 2017.
After going 4-2 with a 2.42 ERA and 2.63 FIP over 44.2 innings in 2016 and helping the Mets to a Wild Card berth, Gsellman took a step back last year. Between injury and a trip to the minors, Gsellman finished the campaign with an 8-7 record with a 5.19 ERA in 25 outings.
This offseason, the right-hander put an emphasis on going to physical therapy, which helped improve range of motion in his shoulders. On Sunday, his sinker was on full display as he fired two scoreless innings in the Mets victory against the Miami Marlins.
“I left a couple of pitches up, but I like the movement on my ball — it’s actually sinking pretty good this year,” said Gsellman, who walked one and struck out two.
The therapy he received focused on the deep tissues, which have subsequently made his shoulders more loose.
“I didn’t know my body last year,” Gsellman said. “My shoulders were too tight.”
With the Mets bringing in Jason Vargas on the heels of Spring Training, earning a spot in the rotation will be that much more difficult. However, if Gsellman can throw his sinker like he did Sunday, he will certainly make his case as a starter.
“It’s in a good spot,” manager Mickey Callaway said about his pitch. “He has done a real good job of staying with that delivery and keeping that front side in there and getting the sink that he wants. We saw it today.
“We want guys to get ahead with their main pitch. It’s his key pitch. He can’t ever not have it and not throw it. Even if he’s not on with it that day, he’s got to continue to throw it because it’s his best pitch.”
