Ryne Stanek’s Struggling Season: A Look at His Challenges and Potential Rebound
ATLANTA — At the start of the season, Ryne Stanek was viewed as a key asset for the New York Mets bullpen. However, as the final month approaches, the 34-year-old right-hander is now battling to keep his place on the roster.
Current Performance Challenges
Stanek has faced significant struggles this season, posting a 5.65 ERA across 50 appearances. His recent performance has seen him hit a low with an alarming 18.56 ERA in August, including a rough outing on Thursday where he allowed four earned runs in just one inning against the Washington Nationals.
Monthly Breakdown
- August Stats:
- Innings Pitched: 5.1
- Hits Allowed: 11
- Walks: 5
This inconsistency has prompted concerns about his future role within the team. While he acknowledges the pressures of the business side of baseball, he remains focused on improvement.
“If you play long enough, you know how the business works,” Stanek explained. “I can’t concern myself with [potentially getting released] at the moment. All that is, it’s a distraction.”
Quality Stuff But Poor Results
Despite the stats, Stanek still possesses elite raw talent. His average fastball velocity of 98.5 mph places him in the 97th percentile among MLB pitchers. Furthermore, his slider has an expected batting average of .168, yet actual performance metrics show hitters are managing a .229 average against him.
“This is the best stuff I have had my entire career,” Stanek noted. “But the results have been worse. We are going over all the things it could be.”
Stanek is questioning whether issues exist with pitch sequencing or potentially pitch tipping, as he navigates through an unprecedented rough patch.
Transitioning Roles
Once a pivotal figure for the Mets’ bullpen following his acquisition from Seattle last season, Stanek was expected to set up for closer Edwin Diaz. However, his inconsistent performances led the Mets to acquire additional bullpen options like Gregory Soto, Tyler Rogers, and Ryan Helsley, pushing him into lesser leverage situations.
Why the Shift?
- Lack of Consistency: Stanek’s declining performance has forced a reevaluation of his role within the bullpen.
- New Acquisitions: The Mets’ trade moves aimed at strengthening the bullpen further complicated Stanek’s chances to regain a key role.
Managerial Support and Path Forward
Despite the struggles, Mets manager Carlos Mendoza remains supportive of Stanek’s potential. After his challenging outing against the Nationals, Mendoza emphasized the importance of capitalizing on favorable counts to close out hitters effectively.
“Maybe he’s a little too much in the strike zone and they put the ball in play,” Mendoza said. “We continue to believe in him.”
Key Areas for Improvement
- Finish Strong: Stanek needs to execute better when ahead in the count.
- Control: Reducing his vulnerability in the strike zone will be crucial for future success.
Conclusion
As the Mets head toward the playoffs, Ryne Stanek’s ability to regain form will be essential for the team’s bullpen stability. With elite pitching skills and managerial faith, he still holds the potential for a comeback this season.
For more on Stanek’s journey and the Mets’ bullpen strategies, visit ESPN for comprehensive coverage and updates.
