Mets Bullpen: Breaking down relievers usage after 15 games

The questionable arms

As every team has seen so far, there are guys who are going to start the year slow. Whether it be a slugger or a starter, it is bound to happen. The only difference is that relievers get fewer opportunities to rebound before they are out of chance.

After five innings of work, Jacob Barnes is quickly approaching that point. He owns a 9.00ERA, having given up five earned runs on six hits, two of them being home runs. Barnes pitched a strong spring training to make the roster, just his performance to start the year has been very underwhelming.

As for Trevor Hildenberger, he already has gotten optioned to the alternate training site. Hildenberger was solid in his Mets debut on April 17th before giving up four earned runs in 1.1 innings against the Chicago Cubs on April 21st.

The Sleepers

When Hildenberger was optioned, the Mets recalled Sean Reid-Foley from the alternate training site. He may have only pitched one game, but his three-shutout innings against the Chicago Cubs following Hildenberger’s rough outing was mighty impressive. The 6-3- and 230-pound righty is worth monitoring moving forward.

And how can one forget the Mets lone lefty bullpen arm Aaron Loup? An underappreciated signing in the off-season, Loup has been stellar to start the year. In 3.1 innings of work across four games, he has only let three get on base and has yet to allow a run.

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Of course, the Mets are only 15 games into the 162-game regular season. At the same time, if the relievers continue to pitch the way they have, Rojas may actually have a dependable bullpen in 2021.