Last week, Sandy Alderson said the competition for left-handed relief would be among Jack Leathersich, Sean Gilmartin, Dario Alvarez and Scott Rice, and they would not be looking at anyone in minor league camp.
On Sunday, however, Terry Collins said the Mets will examine minor league LHP Duane Below for a job in the big league bullpen through the rest of camp, according to Adam Rubin of ESPN New York.
Below, 29, last pitched in the Major Leagues for the Marlins in 2013. He appeared in two games and allowed three runs and six hits in 2 2/3 innings. He has a 4.27 ERA in 43 career games in the Major Leagues.
Given the way things have gone in this competition, there’s no reason not to inject another option into the mix, especially since Below has shown some recent success in neutralizing left-handed hitters, albeit in the minors.
He pitched for Triple-A Toledo in the Tigers organization last season, going 8-5 with a 3.70 ERA in 22 games and 21 starts, holding lefties to a .219 opposing average.
The Mets signed Below to a minor league deal this past winter, but did not invite him to big league camp.
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