Mets Bullpen Welcomes Back Jose Buttó After Illness

Jose Buttó’s performance on Wednesday wasn’t exactly stellar for the Mets, but his return to the mound was certainly a positive sign for the team.

Gradually, the Mets’ bullpen is starting to find its rhythm again, despite the front office exploring potential upgrades as the trade deadline approaches.

In a 6-3 win against the Angels at Citi Field, Buttó allowed two runs on two hits over two-thirds of an inning, though he was received warmly by Brooks Raley.

“I prefer speed in a battle, and he nailed a strike,” manager Carlos Mendoza remarked. “Overall, I didn’t think he made a major mistake. Maybe Vero wasn’t there today. I didn’t follow that path.”

Buttó had been sidelined due to illness since July 1st, so his comeback was keenly felt.

He joined Raley, a lefty who just completed rehab from Tommy John surgery last week.

“He was a crucial part of our bullpen, and I definitely felt his absence when he was out,” Mendoza noted before the game.

Buttó holds a 2.84 ERA in 32 appearances this season.

Mendoza indicated that Buttó successfully navigated a tough eighth inning in his third appearance back before getting two outs in that frame.

Raley managed to retire Mike Trout, a pivotal out as he represented the potential tying run.

“We expect a lot from him right from the get-go,” Mendoza added. “Ideally, I wouldn’t want to push him too hard, but here we are today.”

Earlier this week, baseball president David Stearns expressed that shoring up the bullpen is a priority as the July 31 trade deadline looms.

Justin Garza opted for Triple-A Syracuse to make room for Buttó.

According to Mendoza, Paul Blackburn, who is rehabbing from a shoulder issue, is feeling optimistic after a minor league outing and is preparing to start another game for Syracuse before considering returning to the majors.

In addition to providing long relief, Buttó serves as essential rotation support, and if needed, could step in as a sixth starter.

Meanwhile, Jesse Winker, recovering from lower back issues, hasn’t yet resumed baseball activities.

On another note, Starling Marte made his first appearance since returning from the injured list, going 2-for-4 with a double. Marte boasts a .358 batting average and an .875 OPS over the last 18 games.