Mets might bring back Dana Eveland, Buddy Carlyle

The Mets are interested in bringing back LHP Dana Eveland and RHP Buddy Carlyle, relievers who they recently cut instead of offering arbitration to.

Eveland, 31, was solid for the Mets in 2014, posting a 2.63 ERA and 1.10 WHIP in 27.1 innings pitched over 30 appearances. However, Eveland was shut down in early September due to inflammation in his left elbow.

Carlyle, who turns 37 in December, resurrected his career with the Mets this past season, posting a 1.45 ERA and 0.90 WHIP in 31.0 innings pitched over 27 appearances. 2014 was Carlyle’s first successful major league campaign since having a solid season with the Braves in 2008.

Thoughts:

Before the Mets cut both Eveland and Carlyle, I was in favor of offering arbitration to both. The Mets clearly didn’t feel either was worth what he might get through the arbitration process.

Still, as depth, it makes sense to bring both Eveland and Carlyle back.

However, neither should be counted on to be reliable contributors.

For Eveland, concerns about his elbow and the fact that he isn’t a true lefty specialist (LHH hit .241 against him last season, while RHH hit .216) should lead the Mets to bring in an additional lefty even if Eveland returns.

In Carlyle’s case, the Mets should be looking at the big picture, which shows Carlyle struggling for five straight seasons before his rebirth in 2014.