The New York Mets have struggled this season, especially considering their lackluster bullpen. Although lefties Alex Young and Danny Young have recently shined, the Mets were aware that they needed another lefty and decided to pull the plug on a struggling reliever.
Mets DFA Struggling Veteran Lefty, Call Up Recently Acquired Pitcher
Jake Diekman DFA’d; Matt Gage Called Up.
Jake Diekman, 37, has officially been DFA’d in favor of Matt Gage. Diekman struggled to find the strike zone early this season, and the Met was already looking for another reliable lefty. Finally, on July 7th, the Mets traded for 31-year-old Matt Gage for cash. After 22 days, it finally seems like the Mets have had enough of Diekman and will now try and see if Gage will fill in the rule of Diekman better.
Diekman, lately for New York, seemed to find the strike zone better and walked fewer hitters. However, regardless of not walking a lot of hitters, Diekman gave up too many runs in the process. Diekman flashed potential with the exciting save against the Yankees in the second subway series, but since he has allowed a couple of homers, his ERA remains above 5. The move has come with a series of moves, including the DFA’ing of another 3 players over the weekend. Gage has seen very limited action in the MLB. In 16 career games, Gage has struck out 20 and walked 9, but has pitched to 1.83 ERA. After Ryne Stanek gave up 3 runs in his debut for New York on Sunday, the Mets may be completely reworking their bullpen.
Mets May Focus on Rotation Before End Of Trade Deadline
A lefty may have been one of the main focuses for the Mets before the deadline; however, with the injury of Kodai Senga, the Mets may be willing to turn their attention to the rotation. Such a move may show the Mets willingness to put the bullpen together while focusing on the rotation.
Overall, the Mets will be looking to improve their bullpen in every way possible this season, and this move comes as a result.
Main Photo Credits: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
