The New York Mets have been plagued by injuries throughout their 2024 season.
Recently, relief pitchers Reed Garrett and Christian Scott have landed on the 15-day injured list due to elbow inflammation and a right UCL sprain, respectively.
Adding to the list, standout reliever Dedniel Núñez has also been placed on the 15-day injured list.
Dedniel Núñez is heading to the 15-day injured list
On July 13, 2024, at Citi Field in New York City, Mets relief pitcher Dedniel Núñez (72) reacts after recording a save against the Colorado Rockies, winning 7-3. Mandatory Credit
According to an announcement from the team on X, Dedniel Núñez has been placed on the 15-day injured list with a right pronator strain, retroactive to July 24.
Since his MLB debut on April 9, Núñez has become a key reliever for the Mets. The 28-year-old has pitched 33.1 innings across 24 appearances, maintaining a 2.43 ERA with a 0.930 WHIP, 45 strikeouts, and a save.
Núñez, from the Dominican Republic, leads Mets relievers who haven’t started a game with a 0.8 fWAR, placing him third on the entire pitching staff behind Luis Severino and Sean Manaea.
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What does this mean for the Mets?
Losing Núñez is a significant blow for the Mets. His rise has been crucial in stabilizing a bullpen beset by injuries and underperformance.
With his consistent strike-throwing ability and a formidable mix of a mid-90s fastball and high-velocity slider, Núñez had been stepping in for Garrett in the setup role. The Mets now need to find another option to bridge the gap to closer Edwin Díaz.
Núñez will be eligible to return on August 8, but his absence intensifies the need for the Mets’ president of baseball operations, David Stearns, to seek additional bullpen support.
