In the aftermath of the league’s second suspension of Mets RHP Jenrry Mejia, Sandy Alderson said it was unlikely the Mets would acquire an additional reinforcement for the bullpen ahead of the non-waiver trade deadline on Friday at 4 PM ET.
But the Mets may not have to make such a move if things break right for them in the near-term.
That break could be Vic Black.
Black has not pitched for the Mets this season, but recall he was a huge part of the plan for this bullpen until he started experiencing arm soreness/weakness resulting in a herniated disc in his neck back in March.
Black’s rehab assignment ended with the club activating him from the disabled list on June 7, and immediately optioning him (his last one, by the way) to Triple-A Las Vegas as they felt he needed more work to regain his velocity and command before coming up.
The Mets could have avoided spending that option if Black was recalled within 20 days of the transaction. But a strained groin muscle ended any hopes of that, and Black didn’t pitch particularly well upon returning. In his first seven appearances after the strained groin, he allowed nine hits and eight walks in only 6 1/3 innings, clearly suggesting Black had a long road ahead before being considered for a promotion.
But things have turned around for Black as of late. He’s only allowed a run on five hits and a walk and two strikeouts in five innings over his last five appearances.
Obviously, the Mets will want to see more of this from Black over the next couple of weeks. But, in a response to a reporter’s question about Black last week, Terry Collins was hopeful Black would start pitching better soon, noting Black’s history suggests things eventually click for him as he gets more and more work.
Perhaps this string is indicative of things starting to come together for Black. It’s certainly fortuitous timing for the right-hander, as an opportunity might have opened up for him to eventually return and be a big part of the team’s bullpen down the stretch.
Just Mets 