The New York Mets are buzzing with excitement as they welcome back left-handed reliever Brooks Raley, fresh off a significant recovery from Tommy John surgery. This surgery, a tough ordeal for any athlete, kept Raley off the field for the entire 2024 season, making his return all the more anticipated by both the team and fans.
Recently, the Mets secured Raley with a one-year deal that includes a club option for the 2026 season. This strategic move underscores the team’s faith in Raley’s capabilities and highlights his crucial role in the bullpen, especially as their designated lefty. Although he is currently on the 15-day injured list to ensure his body fully heals, hopes are high that fans will soon see him take the mound once again.
In his last stint with the Mets, Raley showcased impressive skill on the field. He posted a stellar 2.68 ERA while pitching 61.2 innings over the 2023 and 2024 seasons before his injury. Just prior to undergoing surgery last May, Raley was a force to be reckoned with—appearing in just eight games but managing to keep his ERA pristine, fanning nine batters over seven innings without allowing a single earned run. This kind of performance not only bolsters team morale but also instills confidence in fans eager for a competitive season.
The Mets’ roster is in a state of flux as they make adjustments surrounding Raley’s return. They’ve recently called up right-hander Kevin Herget from Triple-A Syracuse to fill gaps in their pitching lineup. Unfortunately, it wasn’t all good news; the team had to make the tough decision to designate pitcher Jose Urena for assignment after a rough outing where he allowed five runs in just three innings. Additionally, the Mets placed left-hander Sean Manaea on the 60-day injured list, further shaking things up.
But there’s more to come! On Wednesday, the Mets plan to select the contract of left-hander Brandon Waddell, who is also seen as a promising addition to the roster. Waddell will either get the start or play a significant role as a bulk pitcher, depending on the dynamics that unfold during the preceding game. Recently, the Mets cleared a roster spot by designating Urena, enabling this new possibility.
Waddell’s journey to this point has been impressive, considering he signed a minor league contract with the Mets during this offseason. As he approaches his 31st birthday in June, his performance in Triple-A has been stellar; he boasts a 1.54 earned run average over 23 1/3 innings pitched, with a solid strikeout rate of 21.6% and a walk rate of 7.2%. These numbers reflect a pitcher poised to make his mark, whether he takes the starting role or backs up another pitcher in a hybrid approach.
As the Mets navigate a rigorous 13-game stretch, the timing of these roster changes is critical. For instance, bringing Waddell up not only fills a gap but offers top pitcher Kodai Senga the much-needed opportunity for extra rest—something that can make all the difference as the season progresses.
This phase of roster adjustments and the weaving of individual stories—like Raley’s comeback and Waddell’s ascent—highlight the resilience and excitement that encapsulate the heart of a baseball season. As fans, we can empathize with the trials and triumphs athletes face, reminding us that behind every statistic and strategy is an unwavering human spirit striving for excellence. Keep your fingers crossed for all these pitchers; they are not just names on a roster, but a part of a larger journey that connects every die-hard fan to the thrill of the game.
Image Source: Brooks Raley @ Instagram
