The New York Mets are set to welcome back their standout reliever from injury at a crucial time.
Dedniel Nunez, the Mets’ reliever, has been on the 15-day injured list since July 26 due to a strained right forearm, halting his impressive rookie season. The Dominican right-hander has posted a stellar 2.43 ERA with 45 strikeouts over 33.1 innings for New York, recording a 2-0 record and one save.
In a season where the Mets’ bullpen has experienced highs and lows, including a turbulent stretch for star closer Edwin Diaz, Nunez has been a beacon of reliability. He’ll aim to continue that consistency as he nears the final stages of his recovery.
Mets’ Dedniel Nunez to throw a bullpen session on Sunday
CBS Sports reported that Nunez is set to throw from the bullpen on Sunday. According to their RotoWire staff, the 6-foot-2, 180-pound player is still on the mend, and the Mets are looking at what this means for the near future.
“Nunez was eligible for reinstatement on Thursday and was initially expected to return shortly after the minimum 15-day period. However, he’s fallen behind schedule and will likely need to throw multiple bullpen sessions before being activated,” the network noted.
Mets’ Nunez can help the Mets win their remaining home games down the stretch of the year
The Mets’ bullpen has 31 saves this season, ranking seventh in the Majors. However, in August, they’ve managed just one save. Despite this, New York has been fairly successful at avoiding blown saves, with only 17 on the season, placing them in the middle of the league. Nunez is essential for the Mets in a setup role to better position them for the final inning and could potentially be called upon for ninth-inning duties before the season ends.
Nunez is also a standout performer at home. His performance at Citi Field compared to on the road is strikingly different. In 18 innings pitched at home, he boasts an impressive 0.50 ERA and a 0.667 WHIP, while on the road, his numbers drop to a 4.70 ERA and a 1.239 WHIP. Yet, he consistently delivers in clutch situations, holding opposing hitters to a .135 batting average with two outs, the lowest among all-out situations.
Most of Nunez’s work has come in the sixth through eighth innings, and he’s likely to resume one of those roles as he re-enters Mets manager Carlos Mendoza’s rotation alongside Diaz, Reed Garrett, and others as the 2024 season nears its end. With 22 home games remaining, Nunez can play a key role in helping the Mets (61-56) win as many as possible in their push for a playoff spot.
Be the first to comment