Mets Bullpen: Breaking down relievers usage after 15 games

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - APRIL 14: (NEW YORK DAILIES OUT) Edwin Diaz #39 of the New York Mets reacts after getting the final out of a game against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citi Field on April 14, 2021 in New York City. The Mets defeated the Phillies 5-1. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - APRIL 14: (NEW YORK DAILIES OUT) Edwin Diaz #39 of the New York Mets reacts after getting the final out of a game against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citi Field on April 14, 2021 in New York City. The Mets defeated the Phillies 5-1. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images) /
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CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – APRIL 21: Robert Gsellman #44 of the New York Mets pitches against the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field on April 21, 2021 in Chicago, Illinois. The Cubs defeated the Mets 16-4. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – APRIL 21: Robert Gsellman #44 of the New York Mets pitches against the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field on April 21, 2021 in Chicago, Illinois. The Cubs defeated the Mets 16-4. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images) /

The secondary arms

Without the second tier of relievers, the Mets would not be able to use Castro and Diaz the way they have this season. After all, Rojas cannot throw his best two relievers out on the mound every day.

Outside of Castro and Diaz, the Mets have consistently relied on flamethrowers like Trevor May, Robert Gsellman, and Jeurys Familia. All three have had their hiccups this season but are veterans who are ready whenever needed.

Trevor May has led the three so far this season, throwing for 5.1 innings in six games. His season started off rather rough before he began hitting stride. The Mets big bullpen addition from this past off-season has a 3.38ERA, with about 13.5 strikeouts per nine innings.

As for Robert Gsellman, the 27-year-old is fitting back in well to his old bullpen role. After starting four of six games last year with a 9.ERA, his ERA is down to 3.38 in 5.1 innings. He even threw three shutout innings against the Washington Nationals on Sunday.

Then there is Jeurys Familia, who has quietly been one of the team’s most efficient relievers in 2021. Yes, Familia is not the elite reliever he once was, but he is holding his own with a 1.93ERA in 4.2 innings. He also has benefited from the improved defense to help with the eight baserunners he has allowed.

All three may not end up being the Mets top relievers in 2021. Yet if it were not for them, the Mets would not be able to make up for some struggles from others.