The New York Mets’ 2024 problems have been widely publicized. The Blue and Orange started the season with a roster that had the ability to make the playoffs. Instead, they have underperformed, lying nine games under.500 (28-37) in the second week of June.
The Mets’ troubles have been exacerbated by their inability to field a full-strength roster.
Kodai Senga, the team’s ace, has yet to debut after beginning the season on the injured list due to a shoulder ailment sustained during spring training. Brooks Raley had to have season-ending elbow surgery, and the list continues.
Despite their injury issues and struggles, the Mets are only 3.5 games from the final wild-card berth and are adding reinforcements. Before Tuesday’s 4-2 loss to the Miami Marlins, the Blue and Orange reinstated Francisco Álvarez from the injured list. The 22-year-old had been sidelined since April with a damaged ulnar collateral ligament in his thumb. The team also provided a return date for its all-star closer.
Edwin Díaz is set to return on Thursday
“He threw a bullpen today, looked pretty good, I was there,” Mets manager Carlos Mendoza said. “Off tomorrow, and then the plan is to activate him on Thursday when he’s eligible.”
Edwin Díaz made two rehab outings for High-A Brooklyn after being placed on the 15-day IL with a right shoulder impingement. He struck out four batters and allowed no runs in two innings.
The 30-year-old has pitched 20 innings in 20 appearances, posting a 5.40 ERA, 1.250 WHIP, and 30 strikeouts while going 5-for-9 in save opportunities.
Who might the Mets send down to make room for Díaz?
The Mets will face a difficult decision given how well some of their peripheral bullpen players have fared since being brought up. Danny Young is one guy who the Blue and Orange could consider sending down.
Young has impressed in his limited time in the majors, pitching nine innings in nine appearances for a 1.00 ERA, 1.000 WHIP, and 12 strikeouts. The 30-year-old has done nothing to merit a demotion, but someone must be demoted, and Young appears to be the most likely candidate.
