Breaking: Mets trade reliever to Rays as deadline nears

The New York Mets are still active in making changes.

The New York Mets are continuing their roster moves as the trade deadline approaches. On Friday, they traded reliever Cole Sulser to the Tampa Bay Rays for cash, according to MLB.com’s Anthony DiComo.

 

 

During his brief time with the Mets, Sulser appeared in only four games, recording a 1.929 WHIP. He struck out seven and gave up six hits over 4.2 innings. Most of the season, Sulser was with Triple-A Syracuse, where he posted a 1.48 ERA, 34 strikeouts, and a 1.055 WHIP in 30.1 innings.

This trade follows Sulser’s recent designation for assignment by the Mets. Before joining New York, he had played for the Arizona Diamondbacks, Miami Marlins, Baltimore Orioles, and notably, the Rays.

The New York Mets as of late

The team’s pitching rotation reveals a key issue with the relievers. Injuries to Dedniel Nunez and Reed Garrett, who have recently been vital from the bullpen, are troubling. Despite this, Jose Butto is emerging as a valuable player, and the addition of Ryne Stanek and Phil Maton should provide some needed depth. Edwin Diaz is also starting to regain his form.

Kodai Senga’s season debut on Friday was more stressful than celebratory. After being sidelined for over a hundred games with a shoulder injury, Senga’s long-awaited return against the Atlanta Braves was cut short by a calf injury after more than five innings. Although the Mets secured an 8-4 win, Senga’s visible pain dampened the mood at Citi Field.

On a positive note, despite these pitching challenges, the Mets are on an upswing. Their remarkable turnaround from a 22-33 start to a current record of 55-48 in just two months is a major story.

The franchise has only made the playoffs once in the past eight years, specifically in 2022. Last year, they finished with a disappointing record. They’re currently in the hunt for another postseason appearance, but the road ahead is still challenging. The Mets need to keep pushing to make this season memorable.