Mets brace for stretch without Garrett as they cling to final NL wild-card spot in playoff push
The New York Mets find themselves in a precarious position as they strive to maintain their playoff aspirations, currently grasping the final National League wild-card spot. With only ten games left on the schedule and a slim 1 1/2-game lead, the team must navigate this critical stretch without key right-hander Reed Garrett.
Garrett’s Injury Hits Hard
On Thursday, the Mets announced that Garrett has been placed on the 15-day injured list due to a right elbow strain, effectively sidelining him for the remainder of the regular season. Although there remains a glimmer of hope for his return in the postseason, his status is far from certain. This setback is especially disheartening, as Garrett had just returned from a previous stint on the injured list due to elbow inflammation in the same arm.
When available, Garrett has proven to be a reliable asset in the bullpen. Over 55 1/3 innings this season, he has posted a solid 3.90 ERA and tallied 64 strikeouts, averaging an impressive 10.4 strikeouts per nine innings. His ability to generate swing-and-miss pitches had made him a valuable option for manager Carlos Mendoza during crucial late-game situations.
Roster Adjustments Ahead
In a series of roster moves, the Mets designated pitcher Dom Hamel for assignment while selecting the contract of Wander Suero, who was recently acquired off waivers from the Atlanta Braves. Additionally, to bolster the bullpen, New York recalled Chris Devenski and Huascar Brazoban from Triple-A Syracuse. Compounding the situation, left-handed starter Sean Manaea, who was pivotal in securing a win on Wednesday, has been placed on the paternity list.
Navigating the Final Stretch
As the regular season approaches its conclusion, the timing of Garrett’s injury could not be more challenging for the Mets. While they remain in a favorable position to clinch the final wild-card spot, the potential impact of his absence looms large as they set their sights on October.
Trade-deadline acquisition Ryan Helsley has begun to find his footing after a rocky start, delivering scoreless performances in three of his last four outings. The Mets will lean heavily on him, alongside fellow bullpen arms Gregory Soto, Ryne Stanek, and the ever-reliable Edwin Díaz, as they fend off competitors for the last playoff berth in the National League.
As the Mets gear up for this high-stakes stretch, every game will be critical, and they will have to dig deep to keep their postseason dreams alive in the face of adversity.
