The New York Mets are fighting to maintain their place in the playoffs with just 11 games remaining, but they face a significant setback as they placed right-handed reliever Reed Garrett on the injured list due to an elbow sprain. Garrett, who has been a dependable part of the Mets’ bullpen, is now facing the potential of undergoing Tommy John surgery, according to Mets manager Carlos Mendoza.
Garrett’s recent elbow issues are casting doubt on his availability for the rest of the season. Having previously dealt with elbow inflammation, the likelihood of his return before the postseason appears slim. “We’re hoping for the best-case scenario, but time is not on our side,” Mendoza stated, highlighting the urgency of the situation.
Despite not having a standout season, Garrett’s contributions to the bullpen were vital due to the scarcity of reliable options in the Mets’ pitching lineup. Unfortunately, his recent performances had shown signs of struggle, with inherited runners scoring in his last few outings. Over 55 1/3 innings, he managed a 3.90 ERA with 26 walks and 64 strikeouts, often facing right-handed hitters with runners on base.
The Mets will now need to rely more heavily on right-handers Ryne Stanek and Ryan Helsley in Garrett’s absence. However, Helsley has faced significant challenges, reflected in his 9.60 ERA since joining the Mets, and while Stanek improved lately, his ERA remains a concern at 5.23. These pitchers, alongside lefties Gregory Soto and Brooks Raley, are essential in bridging the gap to reliever Tyler Rogers and closer Edwin Díaz.
As the Mets entered Thursday’s game against the San Diego Padres with a narrow 1 1/2 game lead in the wild-card race over the Arizona Diamondbacks, they also face competition from the Cincinnati Reds and San Francisco Giants, who trail closely behind. The team has responded to this critical period by recalling right-handed pitchers Huascar Brazoban, Wander Suero, and Chris Devenski from Triple-A Syracuse. Conversely, Sean Manaea was placed on the paternity list, and Dom Hamel was designated for assignment after making his debut on Wednesday. Mendoza mentioned the possibility of Manaea pitching in a piggyback role with Clay Holmes.
Looking to Triple-A for reinforcements, the Mets are considering other available pitchers on their 40-man roster, such as Kevin Herget, Alex Carrillo, Justin Hagenman, Brandon Waddell, Austin Warren, and Jonathan Pintaro. Additionally, non-roster options like Richard Lovelady and Dylan Ross are also being evaluated.
As the Mets navigate these challenges, the team’s ability to adjust and find effective bullpen solutions will be crucial in their pursuit of a playoff spot. The stakes remain high, and every decision could impact their postseason aspirations.