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New York Mets Re-Sign Relief Pitcher Fernando Salas

By Kenneth Teape

Sep 5, 2016; Cincinnati, OH, USA; New York Mets relief pitcher Fernando Salas throws against the Cincinnati Reds during the ninth inning at Great American Ball Park. The Mets won 5-0. Mandatory Credit: David Kohl-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 5, 2016; Cincinnati, OH, USA; New York Mets relief pitcher Fernando Salas throws against the Cincinnati Reds during the ninth inning at Great American Ball Park. The Mets won 5-0. Mandatory Credit: David Kohl-USA TODAY Sports /
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The New York Mets have been shopping for relief help in recent weeks. They have accomplished that goal this afternoon, as they have re-signed Fernando Salas.

Ken Rosenthal of MLB Network and Fox Sports broke the news via his Twitter account. He reports the deal is pending a physical but a deal is agreed upon.

The Mets originally acquired Salas last season prior to the waiver trade deadline on August 31st, 2016 from the Los Angeles Angels. The Mets sent 2014 13th round pick, right-handed pitcher Erik Manoah to Los Angeles in the deal.

Salas was a good acquisition for the Mets as he helped shore up the Mets bullpen. Terry Collins seemed to have trust in only Addison Reed and Jeurys Familiar at times last season, but Salas gave him another reliable arm.

In 17 appearances with the Mets, Salas threw 17.1 innings, registering a 2.08 ERA with 19 strikeouts. He did not walk a batter with the Mets, giving him an impressive 0.64 WHIP.

With Salas back in the fold, it would be fair for people to think the Mets are done adding to their bullpen. They had been linked to Sergio Romo and Joe Smith in recent days, but the Salas signing would probably put that to rest. One player the Mets are still in contact with is Jerry Blevins.

Like Salas, Blevins was an important piece for the Mets bullpen last season. Blevins is still a free agent, but the Mets are still interested in bringing him back; Jon Heyman of FanRag Sports reports that Salas’ signing does not mean the Mets are out of the running for Blevins.

Salas is a good signing for the Mets, but should not be the first piece. He is right-handed, so the Mets still have a need for a lefty in the bullpen; that is where Blevins could come in again.

With a suspension also potentially looming for closer Jeurys Familia, the Mets need as many arms as they can get at the end of games. Reed should take over as the closer in Familia’s absence, but the Mets will need more help than that.

Next: New York Mets Trade Rumors Update

Salas can help provide that, and Blevins would as well if he is indeed brought back as well. As things currently stand, Salas could line up tp be the Mets seventh inning man.

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