Mets’ Bullpen Boosted by José Buttó’s Return

The New York Mets welcomed back José Buttó on Wednesday, a significant addition to their bullpen as they look towards the trade deadline on July 31. While Buttó’s performance against the Los Angeles Angels may not have matched his potential, the Mets are optimistic about the depth his presence brings.

Recap of Buttó’s Performance

In the Mets’ 6-3 victory at Citi Field, Buttó allowed two earned runs on three hits in just two-thirds of an inning. Despite the rough outing, Manager Carlos Mendoza highlighted some positives:

• “I liked the velocity, and he threw strikes,” said Mendoza.
• Buttó struck out a batter before handing off to Brooks Raley, who was instrumental in closing out the game.

Buttó had been sidelined with an illness since July 1, making his return a welcome sight for the team. He boasts a solid 2.84 ERA over 32 appearances this season, underscoring his value in high-pressure situations.

Raley’s Impact and Bullpen Resurgence

Brooks Raley also made a pivotal contribution, returning from Tommy John surgery just last week. He successfully navigated a tricky seventh inning, striking out Mike Trout, the potential tying run, as he recorded two outs in the eighth.

Mendoza commented, “We are asking a lot out of him right out of the gate. Ideally, I didn’t want to push him to [29] pitches, but that is where we were today.” Raley’s lengthy absence made his performance all the more valuable.

Key Points:

• Bullpen Depth: The return of Buttó and Raley offers much-needed support to a bullpen that has struggled at times this season.
• Upcoming Trades: President of Baseball Operations David Stearns indicated that enhancing the bullpen will be a focus as the trade deadline approaches.

Other Notable Updates

• Justin Garza was optioned to Triple-A Syracuse to make room for Buttó in the roster.
• Paul Blackburn, currently rehabbing from a shoulder impingement, reported a positive minor league outing and is set to make another start before potentially returning to the team.
• Jesse Winker’s Recovery: As he continues to rehabilitate a lower back strain, Winker has not yet engaged in baseball activities.

Starling Marte’s Return

Starling Marte made an impactful return to the lineup, going 2-for-4 with a double. With a .358 batting average and an .875 OPS over his past 18 games, Marte’s presence reinforces the Mets’ offensive strength.

Looking Ahead

The Mets remain focused on fortifying their roster as they move closer to the trade deadline. With key players like Buttó and Raley back in action, the team is optimistic about maintaining momentum as they navigate the second half of the season.

For more updates on the Mets and the latest trade rumors, follow MLB Trade Rumors.

This article delivers an in-depth look at the Mets’ recent developments concerning their bullpen, underscoring the mixture of hope and challenges as the team strives for success ahead of the trade deadline.