Mets rookie reliever Dedniel Núñez has another big outing

Big leagues

By Zach Brasiller

On April 9, the Mets called up Dedniel Núñez, a 28-year-old rookie.

He allowed runs in three of his first four starts. At the time, it didn’t look like he would be on the team for long, particularly since he still had minor league options.

However, a curious thing happened on his way back to Syracuse.

Núñez was never sent there. Instead, the right-hander has become a vital part of the Mets bullpen.

“Another great piece there, a guy who can take the ball and give you multiple innings with advantage,” manager Carlos Mendoza said after Núñez delivered two scoreless innings in a 5-1 victory over the Padres at Citi Field. “He’s done that in back-to-back starts. Is not easy.”

Núñez has been almost unbeatable lately.

He has allowed just one run and four hits in his last 11 ¹/₃ innings, striking out 16 batters and walking just one.

The most important thing is that it has become a multi-entry weapon.

Nunez, a former starting pitcher, can be effective for more than one frame.

When closer Edwin Díaz came off the disabled list on Thursday, some thought the Mets would demote Núñez.

But they opted for long reliever Danny Young.

That decision paid off on Saturday.

Núñez inherited a 3-1 lead in the seventh and retired six of the seven batters he faced.

The only one that arrived arrived by mistake by Francisco Lindor.

“I think some parts (of my success) surprise you a little bit, but mostly they don’t,” said Nunez, who signed with the Mets as an international free agent in 2016 and lost to the Giants four years later in the Rule. 5 Draft and was returned in 2021. “With all the work I’ve put in since the offseason, it shows now. … I am fortunate and appreciate the opportunity the team has given me, and every time I go out on the field I focus on doing my job to help the team.”

The Mets bullpen has really improved lately.

He has a streak of nine consecutive scoreless innings and entered the day leading the National League in ERA with 1.89 since June 3.

Díaz and Drew Smith came off the injured list and Núñez has become someone Mendoza is gaining confidence in.

“Now it makes our bullpen a lot deeper,” the manager said.