Mets Struggle as Ryan Helsley Faces Continual Challenges on Mound

The New York Mets are grappling with the ongoing struggles of pitcher Ryan Helsley, who has yet to find his rhythm after joining the team five weeks ago. Helsley, a former closer for the St. Louis Cardinals, was brought in at the trade deadline to serve as a set-up man for Edwin Diaz. However, his recent performances have raised concerns, particularly following a lackluster outing against the Detroit Tigers on Wednesday, where he surrendered a three-run home run to Kerry Carpenter during a 6-2 loss.

In his 14 appearances with the Mets, Helsley has allowed a staggering 14 runs across 11 innings, resulting in an alarming ERA of 11.45. Initial assessments suggested that he might be tipping his pitches, but despite addressing this concern, his difficulties persist. Mets manager Carlos Mendoza expressed frustration over the situation, noting, “This is a guy, you look up and he’s throwing 102 mph, and they continue to take some really good swings.”

Helsley’s velocity remains impressive, with fastballs reaching the upper echelon of Major League Baseball speeds. However, the placement of his pitches has proven problematic. In Mendoza’s analysis, the home run from Carpenter exemplified a fastball that was “low and inside” instead of being elevated in the strike zone. “When he’s effective, when he’s at his best, he’s able to elevate the fastball,” Mendoza stated. “Right now, we’re not doing that.”

The Mets are in a precarious position as the regular season enters its final weeks. With just three weeks remaining, they hold a narrow four-game lead over the San Francisco Giants and a five-game advantage over the Cincinnati Reds for the third and final National League Wild Card spot. The team is set to face the Reds in a critical three-game series beginning on Friday, making Helsley’s performance even more crucial.

Helsley himself remains puzzled by his recent struggles, commenting, “It feels like guys are swinging at 100 like it’s 91 right now.” He emphasized the need to return to basics: “Just trying to get back to square one, help the team win.”

As the Mets navigate these challenges, the urgency for Helsley to regain his form intensifies. The team’s postseason aspirations depend significantly on their ability to turn things around quickly. For ongoing updates on Ryan Helsley and the Mets, visit AMNY.com.