New York Mets vs. New York Yankees: 5 Bold Predictions For Subway Series

Strong Bullpens Come Up Short

Apr 23, 2015; Detroit, MI, USA; New York Yankees relief pitcher Andrew Miller (48) pitches in the ninth inning against the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park. New York won 2-1. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

One of the reasons for the strong starts for both the Mets and Yankees has been the performance of their respective bullpens.

For the Mets, this is somewhat of a surprise. Early in spring training they lost their only left-handed pitcher, Josh Edgin, to Tommy John surgery. Then, on the second day of the season, closer Jenrry Mejia was suspended for 80-games for a positive steroid test.

They have not missed a beat though, as Jeurys Familia has been lights out as the new closer, converting all eight of his chances thus far. They also solved the left-handed pitching problem, trading for Alex Torres from the San Diego Padres and Jerry Blevins from the Washington Nationals, in addition to holding onto Rule Five draft pick Sean Gilmartin. Blevins finds himself on the DL now as well because of a broken left forearm, but prior to that he had made seven perfect appearances, retiring all 15 batters he faced.

For the Yankees, the signing of Andrew Miller has proved to be a great one. He has been great at the end of games, converting all six of his save chances in dominating fashion; he has 15 strikeouts to go against four walks and two hits in 7 ⅓ innings. Prior to him entering games he is set up by Dellin Betances, who is beginning to put spring training woes behind him. He is 3-0 on the season with three holds, striking out 12 in his 9 ⅓ inning of work to go with seven walks and five hits. Both also have 0.00 ERAs to show for their work.

While both teams have been great at the end of games thus far this season, they will eventually have slip ups during a long baseball season. The first will come this weekend. Familia will blow his first save of the season, and Miller will follow with his first as well, by keep his perfect ERA. Betances will surrender his first earned runs of the season as well, ruining his perfect ERA.

Next: Unexpected Victory