The New York Mets bullpen looks quite different now than how it was anticipated from the initial roster on opening day.
With all the turnover in the bullpen, whether due to the injury bug or underperformance, plenty have had a chance to make their mark and claim a role in the bullpen.
One of those players given the earliest opportunities to prove themselves was Reed Garrett, and he did just that. Garrett became a breakout star with an incredible stretch that garnered him all-star considerations.
However, the 31-year-old did slow down a bit and, after getting roughed up on July 9, complained about tightness in the forearm and elbow area. That complaint led to Garrett undergoing imaging and getting diagnosed with elbow inflammation, resulting in the Virginia native being placed on the 15-day injured list.
Things had been quiet regarding Garrett’s recovery, but Mets manager Carlos Mendoza gave an update before Saturday afternoon’s meeting with the Miami Marlins.
New York Mets: Garrett is nearing a return
“He’s still getting treatment. They were going to reassess him today,” Mendoza said. “Hopefully, he’ll start playing catch here pretty soon. He’s feeling better. That’s a good sign.”
The 31-year-old is eligible to be activated off the injured list on July 25, but the timetable for his return still isn’t entirely.
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“We’ll have a better idea once he starts playing catch and sees how he’s feeling, responding and progressing, especially when he gets on the mound and starts throwing bullpens,” Mendoza said. “As of right now, we’re still in the early stages, but he’s feeling a lot better.”
Prior to going down with elbow inflammation, Garrett had pitched 42 innings across 36 appearances posting a 3.64 ERA and 1.429 WHIP while registering 63 strikeouts and recording four saves.
Time will tell when the Virginia native is ready to return, but the fact that Garett is improving is a great sign for a Mets bullpen that desperately needs him.
