New York Mets: Corey Oswalt could be a second half hero

For the New York Mets, who will be looking at the future during the second half, Corey Oswalt may prove to be very much part of that future.

Matt Harvey, Jacob deGrom, Noah Syndergaard, Steven Matz and Zack Wheeler, with some added Jason Vargas. That was supposed to be how the starting rotation would look for the New York Mets in 2018. Well here we are at the All-Star break. How has that worked out so far? Don’t answer that, this is a family website.

John Lennon once sang, “Life is what happens to you while you’re busy making other plans”. Has that not been the case for our Mets? One was traded away, and other than deGrom, the rest have either been injured, inconsistent, or both. That and a bullpen that, frankly, has been very bad put the Mets in a position where another season has been wasted.

In walks Corey Oswalt who has made his way through the farm system. Last season he went 12-5 with the Binghamton Mets, posting a 2.68 ERA and striking out 119 in 134.1 innings. Prior to coming up to New York, he went 4-4 with the triple AAA Las Vegas 51s, striking out 49 in 47.1 innings. Oswalt’s overall record in the minors was 41-22.

What has gone on since Oswalt arrived in Queens? A pitcher that was just supposed to be a fill-in has made his case to remain in New York as the fifth starter.

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Over his last two starts, Oswalt has shown that he belongs. On July 9th against the Phillies, he allowed just one hit over six innings of work. Unfortunately for Oswalt, the one hit was a three RBI double by Aaron Nola so he lost the game.

He did strike out seven in a losing cause, however.

Oswalt’s most recent outing came in the final game before the break, this past Sunday. This one pitted him against the rival Nationals, and he looked very good. Oswalt went five innings giving up only one run on two hits, not walking a batter.

The bullpen couldn’t keep the game close and the offense couldn’t score any runs so Oswalt took the loss, but he was far from the man responsible. Heading into the break, Oswalt couldn’t look much sharper.

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The team is taking notice, including manager Mickey Callaway:

"“He’s definitely opened some eyes and is going to make decisions really tough,” manager Mickey Callaway said. “He’s pitched really well.”"

Yes he has Mickey. Yes he has. Now you just have to let him pitch. Don’t take out the starter after just 59 pitches when your bullpen has been bad. It doesn’t matter about going for the tie. There is a lot of baseball left to be played. There is no guarantee that the 2018 bullpen would keep the game close, and ultimately they didn’t on Sunday.

Corey Oswalt has definitely made his case to stay with the team. I mean, Jason Vargas isn’t exactly Clayton Kershaw. He can be replaced. Why not Corey Oswalt?

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