Midseason grades for the 2022 Mets bullpen

Seth Lugo - 2022 Mets reliever first half grade

Lugo sported a 3.82 ERA in 35.1 innings pitched in the first half. The soon-to-be free-agent has kept Mets fans on their toes for much of the season when he has been on the mound. Seth Lugo has generated few clean outings this season, and he is not as effective as he once was as a reliever. With that in mind, we’ve learned that he is better when he throws multiple innings in a relief outing and when he gets more rest. Let’s remember he was once a starting pitcher, and has traits of a starting pitcher in his profile. 

Grade: B-   

Joely Rodriguez - 2022 Mets reliever first half grade

Joely Rodriguez came over in a trade with the Yankees that sent Miguel Castro to the Bronx, and he brought over a mixed bag of results. He has the lowest exit velocity allowed in the majors and the seventh lowest hard-hit rate among big league relievers. His stuff doesn’t induce hard contact. However, Rodriguez has been wild, and the 5.67 walks per nine innings speaks for that. Among the 19 walks he issued, eight of them scored. His 4.67 ERA over 27 innings would have been lower without the walks. 

Grade: C+ 

Chasen Shreve - 2022 Mets reliever first half grade

Remember when Chase Shreve got off to such a great start and was considered a huge boon to the Mets bullpen? Well, his season reared in the wrong direction in mid-May, and it continued to worsen. He had a 6.49 ERA in 26.1 innings this season with the Mets (10.43 since May 14) before getting designated for assignment on July 5.  His strong start to the season is why he didn't get an F.

Grade: D-