Mets’ Key Bullpen Piece Takes Positive Step in Rehab

New York's bullpen should expect to have a key contributor back sooner rather than later.

[US, Mexico & Canada customers only] June 9, 2024; London, UNITED KINGDOM; New York Mets pitcher Dedniel Nunez throws against the Philadelphia Phillies during a London Series baseball game at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Childs/Reuters via USA TODAY Sports / Matthew Childs/Reuters via USA TODAY Sports

The New York Mets received good news on relief pitcher Dedniel Núñez.

Mets manager Carlos Mendoza provided an update Sunday on the 28-year-old Dominican Republic native during his press conference. Núñez, who has been one of New York’s most effective relievers this season, is “feeling better" and started playing catch.

Carlos Mendoza says Dedniel Núñez is "feeling better" and started playing catch yesterday: pic.twitter.com/ULzGCiwAmc

— SNY (@SNYtv) August 4, 2024

The Mets placed Núñez on the 15-day injured list on July 26, retroactive to July 24 with a right pronator strain injury. The initial expectation from the Mets was that his stint on the IL would be short. It appears that this will be the case as he continues to progress towards a return.

The Mets currently sit with a record of 58-53, eight full games behind the Philadelphia Phillies for first place in the National League East. More importantly in the short term, the Mets have now fallen 1.5 games behind the Arizona Diamondbacks for the final NL Wild Card spot; the other two Wild Card spots are currently held by the Atlanta Braves (60-51) and San Diego Padres (61-52), each two full games up on the Mets entering play on Monday, August 5.

Núñez, like José Buttó, has been a bright spot in an incredibly up-and-down performing New York bullpen during the 2024 season. In 24 games, Núñez is 2-0 with a 2.43 ERA, 45 strikeouts, allowing just eight walks, and an impressive 0.93 WHIP across 33.1 innings pitched. The Mets recalled Núñez from Triple-A Syracuse – 13 games, 3-0, 1.38 ERA, 20 K’s, 6 BB, 1.000 WHIP in 13 innings – on May 31 and he has become a mainstay in the 'pen ever since.

After dropping two of three games to the Los Angeles Angels (49-63) this past weekend, the Mets’ bullpen could certainly use a boost. At his best, Núñez provides consistent swing-and-miss type of stuff, and potential length, which will be needed down the stretch into September. On June 12, he retired all seven batters he faced, recording a career-high five strikeouts in 2 1/3 innings against the Miami Marlins at Citi Field.

Looking ahead, Núñez, currently on a one-year league minimum $740,000 contract, would be a cost-effective bullpen option for the Mets to retain in 2025. With a 0.7 WAR and fWAR of 0.8, highest among Mets relievers who had yet to make a start, he should be prioritized.

New York continues a 10-game road trip with a makeup game Monday against the St. Louis Cardinals at Busch Stadium. From there, the Mets will visit the Colorado Rockies (41-72) for three games at Coors Field and then the Seattle Mariners (59-54, currently in first place in the American League West) at T-Mobile Park before returning home to Flushing.