NEW YORK– In an attempt to bolster their bullpen for the 2021 season, the Mets have awarded free agent relief pitcher Trevor May a two-year contract for $ 15.5 million.
May, who has spent his entire career with the Minnesota Twins, was brought in as a setup man option for the Amazins this year. ‘
After a tough opening day debut, giving up three runs (two earned), May made 14 goalless appearances in a row.
But the return of Seth Lugo, along with a tough stretch from late May to mid-June where he allowed five runs and three home runs in five appearances (3.2 innings), pushed him out of his regular role in the late inning. In addition, his ERA increased from 2.50 to 4.57.
However, he did not let that get him down.
He has since bounced back to throw 10 consecutive scoreless innings, beating 14 batter in that time.
So what was the key to turning it around?
“He’s always had a really good fastball, but when he didn’t get the secondary pitches he became a one-pitch pitcher,” said manager Luis Rojas before the Mets rained on the Brewers on Tuesday. “At that time, his fastball, a fly-ball court, sometimes became a home run because his fastball is a major supplier of electricity [stuff] helps. “
According to Baseball Savant, opposing bats hit .179 against May’s slider, .239 against his fastball, and .321 against his move.
“He threw it for a strike,” said Rojas of Mays Slider. “He threw it in the same line as his fastball and was able to get some car chases. The move was a good place for him all year round, but he needed the breakball. I think that helps the most at the moment. “
With May again becoming a reliable option for Rojas and the Mets, just one more gun is created from a backend of a bullpen with Lugo and closer Edwin Diaz.
“He’s been working on things that he had to work on and look at him now, he throws the ball great,” said Rojas.
