YORKAThe Mets finally got a game set up the way they wanted it to after more than a week of starting pitchers getting short outings.
The right-hander Tyler Rogers threw 1 1/3 scoreless innings after Kodai Sengadelived 5 2/3, giving the set-up man Ryan Helsley a 3-2 edge.
Then, as has been happening for almost three weeks, everything came apart.
The Mets have blown nine leads in their past six games after Helsley gave up successive doubles after issuing a one-out walk.
In orange and blue, Mets manager Carlos Mendoza identified the problems plaguing Helsley, their major trade deadline acquisition, following the team’s 4-3 loss to the Braves, their 13th defeat in 15 games.
After the game, Mendoza remarked, “I believe he’s leaving that slider in the middle of the strike zone.” For me, that has been the main distinction.
Mendoza believes that Helsley’s inability to control his slider, which leaves it over the plate as hitters are getting ready for his fastball that travels at 100 mph, makes it easier to hit.
This corresponds to his batting average when he was a Cardinal versus a Met. Players are batting for New York..259 against St. Louis and 304 against Helsley.
“I’ll just leave it up,” Helsley said. It’s pleasant. The shape is there; it just has to be slightly repositioned on the slides.
Helsley has now blown two saves in his six Mets appearances, giving up seven runs (three earned) in five innings pitched, and his ERA stands at 5.40. Compared to his ERA of 3.00 with the Cardinals, that represents a significant gain.
Since joining the Mets, Helsley, a seasoned, top closer, has been used as a set-up man. In contrast, a closer’s duty is clearly defined in terms of when they join the game; as a middle-reliever or set-up man, they can be called upon at any time.
Helsley acknowledges that this has been a change.
Helsley stated, “I’m trying to figure out that role and that routine so that I’ll be ready when my name is called.” I simply haven’t performed well.
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