Ryan Helsley’s Struggles with the Mets: An Insight Into Overcoming Adversity

The New York Mets have had their fair share of ups and downs this season, and one player feeling the pressure is reliever Ryan Helsley. After joining the team in a trade from the St. Louis Cardinals, Helsley has found himself grappling with his performance, drawing comparisons to the challenges faced by Mets closer Edwin Díaz when he first arrived in 2020.

A Tough Transition for Ryan Helsley

In the eighth inning of a recent game against the Philadelphia Phillies, Helsley allowed a game-tying two-run homer to Harrison Bader, erasing the Mets’ 5-3 lead. This marked the latest chapter in a challenging start for Helsley, who now has a troubling 10.38 ERA over 8 ⅔ innings, alongside four blown saves in just 11 appearances.

Stats at a Glance:

• ERA: 10.38
• Innings Pitched: 8 ⅔
• Blown Saves: 4
• Earned Runs: 10

Díaz, who has become a fan favorite after overcoming a rough first season, urged Helsley to remain resilient. “Stay with your head up,” he advised, showing his belief in Helsley’s abilities.

Support from Teammates and Coaches

Mets manager Carlos Mendoza has echoed Díaz’s sentiments regarding Helsley’s potential. He remarked, “We just gotta get Helsley right. He has too good of stuff for opponents to be taking good swings on fastballs.”

Key Points from Mendoza:

• Concerns Over Pitching: Opponents appear to be comfortable facing Helsley.
• Need for Adjustment: Coaches plan to analyze his pitching to uncover any adjustments needed.

The Importance of Mental Resilience

Both Díaz and Mendoza emphasize the mental game in baseball, especially for players in high-pressure roles like closing. Helsley, known for saving 49 games last season, now must navigate the turbulence of his current performance while leaning on the support of teammates.

Learning from the Past

Edwin Díaz himself faced a similar trajectory, posting a 5.59 ERA during his initial season, which resulted in boos from fans. Over time, he turned things around, eventually becoming an integral part of the Mets’ bullpen. His guidance offers hope for Helsley moving forward.

Conclusion

The journey for Ryan Helsley is still unfolding. With strong support from teammates like Edwin Díaz, and a commitment from the coaching staff to help him adjust, there is potential for growth and improvement. As the Mets continue their season, fans will be watching closely to see if Helsley can find his rhythm and emerge from this challenging phase of his career.

Stay tuned for more updates on the Mets’ journey and player performances by following Inside the Mets.

By continuing to offer perspectives on player development and the nuances of the game, the Mets can ensure a more successful stretch run as they work to solidify their bullpen.