Inside The Mets

David Robertson Already Proving to be Key Signing for New York Mets

Reliever David Robertson is already proving to be a key signing for the Mets.

Pat Ragazzo

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The Mets didn't panic when elite closer Edwin Diaz went down with a full-thickness tear of his patellar tendon in his right knee.

Diaz, of course, is a major loss considering he is one of, if not the best closer in the game. But the Mets made moves in the offseason to bring in high-leverage relievers such as David Robertson and Brooks Raley. They also re-signed setup man Adam Ottavino.

Without Diaz, Robertson has mostly served as the Mets' closer and is off to a great start in this young season.

In 6.1 innings, Robertson has yet to allow a run, while striking out eight batters and posting a 0.47 WHIP and two saves.

In the Mets' latest win over the San Diego Padres, Robertson was asked to come on in the seventh inning with two outs. As a result, the righty got the final out of the frame before pitching a scoreless eighth inning.

Ottavino handled the ninth and picked up his first save of the season.

In addition to his dominance thus far, Robertson's versatility has provided flexibility for manager Buck Showalter. Instead of just being the closer, he has pitched in other late-inning situations based off matchups, which has allowed Showalter to use Ottavino in the ninth at times.

"That's how my role is now, is to pitch whenever I'm called on," Robertson said.

Robertson entered the year with 157 career saves, but he also has vast experience as a setup man. 

The Mets have been utilizing Robertson and Ottavino as a closer combination, which has been successful so far.

Between his effectiveness on the mound and ability to pitch in different innings and situations, the signing of Robertson in the offseason is already proving to be a key move by the Mets, especially with the loss of Diaz.

READ MORE:

- Edwin Diaz not Ruling out 2023 Return to Mets

- Justin Verlander To Move Rehab To Florida; Rehab Start Expected

- Brett Baty Homers In Yet Another Robust Performance At Triple-A

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Pat Ragazzo
PAT RAGAZZO

Pat Ragazzo is the reporter, publisher, site manager and executive editor for Sports Illustrated's Mets and Yankees On SI websites. Pat was selected as The Top Reporter & Publisher of the Year 2024 by the International Association of Top Professionals (IAOTP) for outstanding leadership, dedication, and commitment to the industry. He has been seen on several major TV Network stations including: NBC4, CBS2, FOX5, PIX11 and NY1; and is frequently heard on ESPN New York FM 880 AM and WFAN Sports Radio 101.9 FM as a guest. Pat also serves as the Mets insider for the "Allow Me 2 Be Frank" podcast hosted by Frank "The Tank" Fleming of Barstool Sports. You can follow him on Twitter/X: @ragazzoreport.

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