You can never have enough arms in the bullpen.
The New York Mets moved one step closer to having a dominant ‘pen on Monday by getting Dedniel Núñez onto the bump for his Spring Training debut.
The Mets have called Núñez healthy all spring, but this is a sign he may actually be ready for Opening Day.
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If Núñez is indeed good to go, it’s a boost to New York’s relief crew. In 25 MLB appearances as a rookie last season, he had a 2.31 ERA.
Núñez struck out 48 MLB hitters in 35 innings as a rookie.
On Monday, he retired all three hitters he faced, needing just 11 pitches to do so. His fastball hit 98 miles per hour, according to MLB.com’s Anthony DiComo.
“I was very grateful to get back out there,” Núñez told reporters through an interpreter. “I feel healthy, I feel strong. I’m trying to avoid having any setbacks… I’m just trying to continue to push forward.”
The Mets continue to rely on Edwin Diaz in the closer role. A.J. Minter was brought in as a free agent to be a setup man.
Núñez, 28, will have a chance to work his way into the mix that comes before those veterans.
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