The New York Mets miraculous seven game winning streak came to an end on Friday after they suffered an 8-4 loss to the Pittsburgh Pirates. The Mets were only down one heading into the bottom of the eighth, but Tyler Bashlor allowed a three run home run to Starling Marte to put the game out of reach.
The Mets Need More Production From Their Bullpen
The Mets bullpen has undoubtedly been better since the All-Star break. Seth Lugo just won reliever of the month for July and Robert Gsellman has found his hard sinker/slider combo. Edwin Diaz and Jeurys Familia have been inconsistent with their control, but have pitched better of late.
Lugo's scoreless July gave the Mets' bullpen a leg to stand on, opening the door for Justin Wilson (1.13 ERA post ASG), Bob Gsellman (3.18 ERA), and Luis Avilán (0.00 ERA) to settle into their roles
we'll take it.. @MetsMerized #LGM https://t.co/Py6CVh1EHG
— Tim Ryder (@TimothyRRyder) August 2, 2019
The major X-Factor in the Mets success has been the production of lefties Justin Wilson and Luis Avilan. They both combined to only allow one run since the break and have pitched in key moments for the Mets. This has deepened the bullpen greatly, but they have not found success from the final guys who round out the bullpen.
The Revolving Door For A Seventh Bullpen Arm
Last nights loss was a perfect example of an issue the Mets still have not fixed yet. They do not have a seventh man in their bullpen who can come in and pitch an inning to keep the Mets in the game when they are behind. The Mets were down one so instead of wasting Lugo while losing, the Mets went to Bashlor who knocked the Mets out of the game.
Steven Matz faltered, Tyler Bashlor poured fuel on the fire as the #Mets winning streak ended last night.
They open play today 5 games out of the National League Wild Card race with 53 games remaining… pic.twitter.com/5yQZwHuw5V
— Michael Baron (@michaelgbaron) August 3, 2019
The Mets have tried more than a fair share of guys in that role. They have gone through Wilmer Font, Drew Gagnon, Chris Flexen, Chris Mazza, Hector Santiago, Tim Peterson, Brooks Pounders, Paul Sewald, Stephen Nogosek, Daniel Zamora, Jacob Rhame, Ryan O’Rourke and Tyler Bashlor. The combined ERA of all of them in relief is 7.11 which is no where near useful.
If the Mets make the postseason, they can throw Steven Matz in the bullpen, but they need to get the postseason first. It may not hurt them if they cannot find someone to fill the role, but they cannot afford to send the same guys out there night after night. Someone has to bridge the gap when they are behind.