Brooks Raley’s Return to MLB

The MLB season is nearing its climax, but for Brooks Raley, it feels like a new beginning.

After undergoing Tommy John surgery last season, Raley was thrust into action as one of the Mets’ two left-handed relief pitchers.

“I guess there’s some pressure, especially since I hadn’t played for this team before,” Raley shared, reflecting on his eight scoreless innings during a 3-2 loss to the Guardians.

His previous experience with the role is a plus, as he was the sole lefty in the bullpen for a good part of his first season with the Mets in 2023.

Taking charge to handle left-handed hitters, Raley excelled, posting a solid 2.80 ERA over 66 appearances.

Before his surgery, he had already marked eight scoreless outings in 2024 and continued with seven more since making his comeback on July 19 this year.

Still, returning from an injury brings its own challenges.

“The toughest part is jumping right in after an All-Star break,” he mentioned. “Some of the guys have been here for three months already. I’m just trying to catch up.”

He’s noticed some inconsistency with his changeup since returning, but he feels that overall, he’s executing well.

At 37, Raley still has a learning curve. “You never really realize how injured you were before surgery,” he remarked. “I’ve dealt with elbow issues for a while, but I managed to work through it.”

Even without the pain, he’s had to regain a sense of sharpness in his game. “I’ve felt my velocity improve a bit, and the movement on my pitches seems better,” he said.

His manager, Carlos Mendoza, referred to Raley’s return as akin to a trade deadline acquisition, suggesting he could be a crucial asset in a bullpen that’s heavy on right-handers.

“I’m just focusing on finding my role,” Raley noted. “There have been good adjustments, and every time I’m called on, I just want to contribute without overextending myself, considering the talented players we have.”