The New York Mets have gone through their fair share of relievers this season between injuries and poor performance.
Edwin Díaz’s return created a difficult decision for the Mets
Recently, the blue and orange’s bullpen has been performing quite nicely, which has led to the president of baseball operations, David Stearns, having a difficult decision to make when star closer Edwin Díaz returns from the 15-day IL after having to go on the list due to a right shoulder impingement.
With Díaz set to return to the bullpen on Thursday, it appeared the decision had been made for Stearns. During Wednesday’s 10-4 win over the Miami Marlins, Dedniel Núñez came in relief of starter David Peterson and dominated.
Núñez retired all seven batters, throwing 23 of 29 pitches for strikes while striking out a career-high five before receiving a standing ovation when he exited the game. Despite the domination, the 28-year-old throwing that many pitches took him out of use for the next couple of days and almost guaranteed him getting optioned down for Díaz.
“Whatever decision that they have to make, that’s in the team’s hands,” Núñez said through a translator after the game. “I don’t have any control over that.”
Dedniel Núñez on the impending return of Edwin Díaz via SNY
Well, despite the trepidations for Núñez, he had nothing to worry about as the Mets optioned another promising reliever instead.
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The Mets have optioned Danny Young to Triple-A Syracuse
According to Tim Healey of Newsday, the Mets have optioned Danny Young to Triple-A Syracuse.
Young had been impressive in his limited time in the big leagues, pitching nine innings across nine appearances to a 1.00 ERA and 1.000 WHIP with 12 strikeouts. The 30-year-old hasn’t done anything to deserve the demotion, but someone had to be sent down, and Young, unfortunately, got dealt that fate.
Young will likely be back in the Mets bullpen before the season ends, with the blue and orange expected to sell an arm or two at this year’s trade deadline, making a window clear for the 30-year-old to return.
