Mets bullpen game vs. putting the starting pitching depth to the test

May 8, 2021; New York City, New York, USA; New York Mets relief pitcher Tommy Hunter (29) throws a pitch against the Arizona Diamondbacks in the second inning at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Schneidler-USA TODAY Sports
May 8, 2021; New York City, New York, USA; New York Mets relief pitcher Tommy Hunter (29) throws a pitch against the Arizona Diamondbacks in the second inning at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Schneidler-USA TODAY Sports
2 of 3
Next
May 5, 2021; St. Louis, Missouri, USA; New York Mets starting pitcher Miguel Castro (50) pitches during the first inning against the St. Louis Cardinals in game two of a doubleheader at Busch Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports
May 5, 2021; St. Louis, Missouri, USA; New York Mets starting pitcher Miguel Castro (50) pitches during the first inning against the St. Louis Cardinals in game two of a doubleheader at Busch Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports /

In last week’s doubleheader against the St. Louis Cardinals, we saw the New York Mets win a bullpen game. The seven-inning affair worked out well and helped the team split the day.

The Mets then went into Saturday’s game against the Arizona Diamondbacks with a similar strategy. Tommy Hunter pitched the first two innings before the team turned to Joey Lucchesi, one of the guys they brought in this offseason for starting pitcher depth. Using an opener in Lucchesi’s games was an option the team considered in spring training. We saw it finally happen and the result was five no-hit innings. Better yet, the team went on to win the game.

As a non-fan of the opener and someone who doesn’t enjoy the mere idea of a bullpen game, I have to admit things have worked well thus far implementing this strategy. However, I’m still curious how things may have turned out if the Mets actually put their starting pitching depth to the test.

An argument for the Mets to continue with bullpen games

We, hopefully, won’t see these bullpen games for too long. May might have a few more of them considering Carlos Carrasco won’t be available until the very end at the absolute earliest. When the starters do begin to get healthy, the bullpen game should only be reserved for a doubleheader.

I have a tough time making a legitimate case for the bullpen game except for the fact that it has worked. The team’s bullpen has done well and to keep their heads above water, a parade of relievers may yield better results than putting players of Lucchesi’s ilk out on the mound every fifth day.

As much as we can praise the Mets starting pitching depth with names like Jordan Yamamoto, Jared Eickhoff, and Sean Reid-Foley, I’m not so sure any would be as good over the course of five or six innings as they would in three.

Putting them in as a starter or reliever won’t make too much of a difference. Personally, I would still prefer they start and the Mets can turn to another arm for the fourth inning.

The best, and possibly only argument anyone can make for a bullpen game, comes down to players firing from the mound at their best. Batters are seeing a new pitcher every time up. It keeps them off-balance.

Mar 13, 2021; West Palm Beach, Florida, USA; New York Mets pitcher Jordan Yamamoto (45) throws against the Washington Nationals during the first inning of a spring training game at FITTEAM Ballpark of the Palm Beaches. Mandatory Credit: Rhona Wise-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 13, 2021; West Palm Beach, Florida, USA; New York Mets pitcher Jordan Yamamoto (45) throws against the Washington Nationals during the first inning of a spring training game at FITTEAM Ballpark of the Palm Beaches. Mandatory Credit: Rhona Wise-USA TODAY Sports /

An argument for the Mets to put their starting pitching depth to the test

It’s a lot easier for me to argue this case because it’s what I am used to and believe in. I hate to use any pitcher for multiple innings unless you have to. By starting a game with a reliever with the intention of bringing in someone else for multiple frames after, you burn a potential long-man for no reason at all.

Let’s say the Mets begin a game with Miguel Castro on the mound as they already have. What happens if he gets shelled in the first inning? The Mets could then turn to a guy like Lucchesi. They’ve already fallen behind in their plan and may end up with the need to use up even more of the multi-inning relievers than they had scheduled.

On the contrary, if Lucchesi starts and gets bombed early, the Mets can then use Robert Gsellman or anyone else capable of getting the team through some innings. When we reach the midway point of the game, maybe they’ve only used two arms instead of three.

It’s an imperfect argument and before you leave a comment I’ll never read anyway, let me share the simplest: why have these starters if they aren’t going to start?

I hate being wasteful with roster spots. As well as these two recent games worked out, I really want to see the end result of actually starting the game with a starting pitcher.

May 3, 2021; St. Louis, Missouri, USA; New York Mets relief pitcher Sean Reid-Foley (61) reads the signs prior to a pitch during the sixth inning against the St. Louis Cardinals at Busch Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports
May 3, 2021; St. Louis, Missouri, USA; New York Mets relief pitcher Sean Reid-Foley (61) reads the signs prior to a pitch during the sixth inning against the St. Louis Cardinals at Busch Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports /

Let’s see what these starters can actually do

The whole point of starting pitchers is to get as many innings out of them as possible. I hate to see any of them go to waste in the bullpen when it’s possible we could get more from them. The idea of moving extra starters to the bullpen where they can thrive does intrigue me. When you actually need starting pitching help, use them.

We need to look at things from a perspective beyond just the bullpen game. An injury the next day to a starter or a shellacking in the first inning means the very next day suddenly becomes a bullpen game as well. Why waste multiple arms one day when you can limit the damage?

I know those who do or don’t like bullpen games are quite firm in where they stand. Analytics may favor the bullpen game at times, however, if it was truly the best way to win games, every game would include a different pitcher marching onto the mound each inning.

Surely a personal preference of mine, I remain intrigued at what the Mets starting pitching depth can do. Considering how poorly David Peterson has done this season as well, it’s essential the team at least gets an idea of what they have in their back pocket.

Matt Harvey returning to Citi Field. Next

Want your voice heard? Join the Rising Apple team!

Write for us!

I’m all for whatever wins games. Perhaps as the Triple-A season moves along and arms get stretched out we’ll see the end of the bullpen games and openers for the 2021 season. My traditional way of thinking can only hope.

Next