New York Mets: 4 pitchers that need to step up with Jeurys Familia sidelined
With Familia out, the Mets will be shuffling around their bullpen. Reed will be pitching at the end of games, but someone will have to step up in front of him; he can’t pitch the eighth and ninth innings. The Mets have some solid options in the bullpen, such as Jerry Blevins and Fernando Salas.
The player they would really like to see seize the opportunity is Hansel Robles. Robles is maddeningly inconsistent at times, which is why he is so frustrating to watch. Robles was dealing through his first 18 appearances of the season. He registered five holds with a 1.42 ERA.
The last two outings we have gotten bad Robles, which we saw earlier in the season. In his last two outings, Robles has imploded. He has given up nine runs, three home runs, in 1.2 innings pitched. He has surrendered eight hits and two walks total as well.
Thanks to those last two outings, Robles season numbers are now quite unsightly. His ERA is up to 5.23 to go along with a WHIP of 1.45. Robles has worked a lot, ranking in the top four of appearances and top seven for innings pitched. The Mets are unlikely to find him more rest with Familia out but will need to monitor his workload.
Robles has electric stuff. He has shown that he can be a useful weapon out of the bullpen. But his inconsistencies hurt. He has also struggled with the long ball this season, giving up four in 20.2 innings.
Next: New York Mets 5 Greatest First Baseman Of All-Time
The Mets need Robles to step up with Familia out. He will be in the picture for late-inning work as the setup man for Reed. He has the stuff to succeed in that role. Can he handle the mental part of it, and produce consistently, is the question.