Mets’ breakout reliever improves, but isn’t ready to return from injury

The New York Mets’ bullpen now looks very different than expected based on the original Opening Day roster.

With all the turnover in the bullpen, whether it be due to injuries or underperformance, many players have been given the opportunity to make their mark and claim a role in the bullpen.

One of the players who first got the chance to prove himself was Reed Garrett, and he did. Garrett became a star with an incredible run that made him eligible for All-Star status.

However, the 31-year-old slowed down somewhat and complained of stiffness in his forearm and elbow after being battered on July 9. That complaint led to Garrett undergoing a scan and being diagnosed with elbow inflammation, resulting in the Virginia native being placed on the 15-day injured list.

It has been quiet surrounding Garrett’s recovery so far, but Mets manager Carlos Mendoza provided an update ahead of Saturday afternoon’s meeting with the Miami Marlins.

New York Mets: Garrett is about to return

“He’s still getting treatment. They were going to re-evaluate him today,” Mendoza said. “Hopefully he’ll catch here soon. He’s feeling better. That’s a good sign.”

The 31-year-old player could be taken off the injured list on July 25, but the timetable for his return has not yet been finalised.

“We’ll have a better idea once he starts catching and see how he feels and reacts and progresses, especially when he gets on the mound and starts throwing bullpens,” Mendoza said. “Right now, we’re still in the early stages, but he’s feeling a lot better.”

Before suffering from elbow inflammation, Garrett had pitched 42 innings in 36 games, posting a 3.64 ERA and a 1.429 WHIP. He struck out 63 batters and made four saves.

Time will tell when the Virginia native is ready to return, but the fact that Garett is improving is a good sign for the Mets bullpen that desperately needs him.