Carlos Mendoza knows the New York Mets need all the help they can get on the mound. While the team currently leads MLB with a 2.78 ERA, the bullpen remains a sensitive area. The possible return of a veteran reliever late in the season could provide a much-needed boost.
“It’s still far too early to know with any certainty, but Mets reliever Drew Smith (recovering from Tommy John surgery) is optimistic about a late September or October return. He’s on track to begin bullpen sessions next month — a good sign,” reported Anthony DiComo on X.
“We’ll see where I’m at by the end of the year,” Smith said. “Everything is so unpredictable with TJ rehab and any rehab in general, but if I could come back by the end of the year that would be the best-case scenario.”
This isn’t Smith’s first time out
It’s worth noting that Smith already missed a full season back in 2019 due to a previous injury. His only two full and productive seasons with the Mets came in 2022 and 2023, when he appeared in over 100 games combined.
LONDON, ENGLAND – JUNE 09: Drew Smith #33 of the New York Mets pitches during the MLB London Series match between the Philadelphia Phillies and New York Mets at London Stadium at London Stadium on June 09, 2024 in London, England. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)
Smith holds a 3.48 career ERA. Despite being limited to just 19 games in 2024, he posted an impressive 3.06 ERA across 17.2 innings. His last appearance came in June 2024 during a 5-2 win over the Cubs.
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A strong bullpen
Carlos Mendoza currently leads one of MLB’s top bullpens. The Mets rank third in bullpen ERA at 2.77, trailing only the Giants and Astros. They’re also one of just ten bullpens to have racked up over 200 strikeouts so far this season.
