2 Mets relievers who have earned their roster spot, 1 still fighting for his
![Mar 7, 2023; West Palm Beach, Florida, USA; New York Mets relief pitcher John Curtiss (46) throws a](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_crop,w_7913,h_4451,x_0,y_0/c_fill,w_752,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/images/ImagnImages/mmsport/3/01gw2mby7cwcn6zw45ag.jpg)
The New York Mets have even more bullpen questions than when spring training began almost a month ago. The injury to Edwin Diaz has opened up a spot for one more player to make the club.
No final decision has yet to be made but each of these three names should be in serious contention to make the Opening Day roster. Two have earned their spot already. Another has some work left to do.
1) NY Mets reliever John Curtiss has earned his spot
No pitcher has appeared in more spring games than John Curtiss. His 2.70 ERA in 6.2 innings of work plus the 11 strikeouts has made him an unquestionable option for the Opening Day roster. The Mets bought into him a year ago and allowed him to rehab from Tommy John Surgery throughout the 2022 campaign. Thanks to his remaining minor league options and success this spring, it’s hard to understand why he wouldn’t be one of the 26 players the team brings to Miami.
2) NY Mets reliever Tommy Hunter has earned his spot, too
Tommy Hunter had tossed 6 shutout innings for the Mets this spring while allowing 3 hits, walking 1, and striking out 7. Hunter’s extensive big league experience and success with the Mets over the last two seasons would seem to make him an obvious choice out of camp. He doesn’t have minor league options but with the Diaz injury the Mets can afford to carry an extra guy in this situation. Will it be Hunter? They could always wait and go with someone else, like this other guy who needs to show a bit more.
3) NY Mets reliever Dennis Santana is new to the ball club and needs to show more
The Mets need to get to know Dennis Santana real fast. Is speed-dating still a thing? Santana was a waiver claim by the club in the aftermath of losing Diaz. He lacks minor league options which would put him on the bubble immediately to start the year if they did decide to keep him. The best scenario would be for him to get released and sign back with the ball club on a minor league deal. Odds of that happening aren’t always great. We’ll have to see how Santana performs in games and trust what the coaches see on the practice field.
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