Just Mets

The Mets continue to audition all of their candidates for left-handed relief on a daily basis. But, with the performances continuing to be underwhelming and time growing short in Spring Training, the Mets are also weighing their options externally as well.

There are a few avenues for the club to explore, although none seem to be particularly appealing at the moment.

The Mets intend to evaluate players who are placed on waivers next week, according to Adam Rubin of ESPN New York.

In addition, Article XX B free agents from this winter have to be informed by April 1 whether or not they’ve made their major league roster or be awarded $100,000 to go to the minors, meaning other free agents could become available.

The Mets could also explore the trade market for left-handed relief help. It was reported by the New York Post last week they were scouting Orioles LHP Brian Matusz, and today Roch Kubatko of MASN Sports said the Mets “really want” Matusz. However, the Mets prefer Baltimore pick up a portion of the $3.2 million Matusz will earn in 2015.

In 2014, Matusz, 28, appeared in 63 games and finished 11 of them. He allowed 17 walks in 51 2/3 IP while going 2-3 with a 3.48 ERA, holding left-handed hitters to a .223 average.

In his career, Matusz has held lefties to a .211 average and a .620 OPS.

If the Mets fail to promote a competent left-handed reliever or find a solution in any of the external markets, they could consider an unconventional solution in taking the best possible group of relievers north, and using a right-handed reliever to get specific left-handed hitters out.

Last week, Sandy Alderson essentially said Rafael Montero will likely make the club out of camp. It makes sense considering Dillon Gee was put back in the rotation, and Montero could also serve as a spot starter who is not out west with Triple-A Las Vegas, or serve as an immediate injury replacement. But as Howie Rose suggested during Monday’s radio broadcast, Montero has also shown a propensity to get left-handed hitters out, holding lefties to a .236 opposing average in 2014.

Montero has an outstanding change-up with good movement away from left-handed hitters, which can certainly serve as an effective pitch in certain match-ups. However, when Montero first arrived last year, he had a lot of trouble throwing strikes – something he was known for in the minor leagues – and that irked people with the team. He’s shown inconsistent results in that area so far this spring, although in his most recent outing he walked none in 3 2/3 innings.

Carlos Torres could also be considered for this role as well, as he held lefties to a .218 average in 2014. He’s shown to have a rubber arm, meaning he could pitch everyday in a specialist role, and Montero could replace him as a long/swing-man if the Mets opt for this route.

Regardless of Torres’ and Montero’s versatility, Alderson has hinted all spring they will probably take at least one left-handed reliever north for Opening Day. Based on the implications involved, I expect that means Sean Gilmartin will get a crack at it in the early part of the regular season. He’s a Rule 5 pick, meaning if he doesn’t make the team or is removed from the active roster at any point during the year, he has to be offered back to the Twins at $25,000, or half the amount they paid for the pick in December. It’s a low risk move, he’s shown in the minors he can get lefties out, and considering there really isn’t anyone else, he’s a logical choice, if only by default.

No matter what, it seems this bullpen situation is going to be in flux beyond Opening Day, especially on the left side. Even if the Mets find one reliever from an external market, they’ll need someone in camp to step up and pair with that pitcher to solidify and stabilize the bullpen.