The Mets finally seemed to solve their search for a lefty in the bullpen by acquiring Joely Rodriguez from the Yankees on Sunday, and beyond the team needs, the lefty said Tuesday he feels like he’ll have a better opportunity on the other side of the East River.
“I feel good. It’s not the first time I’ve been traded, but I’m excited for the opportunity I have here,” Rodriguez said through a translator as the Mets prepared to break camp. “I feel like I have more of an opportunity to pitch here, because the Yankees have more lefties than we do here, so I feel like I’ll have that opportunity.”
Indeed, Rodriguez could’ve been as far as fourth down the lefty depth chart in the Bronx, with closer Aroldis Chapman entrenched in the ninth inning and both Lucas Luetge and Wandy Peralta also in the mix – and that’s without the injured Zack Britton.
That depth is exactly what attracted Mets GM Billy Eppler, who noted Sunday he interrupted former boss Brian Cashman’s induction into his high school’s Hall of Fame Saturday night to get the deal done.
“We’ve been talking a little bit about some of the excess left-handers the Yankees had, so we were able to get together on something,” Eppler said. “Left-handed relief is something we’ve been looking for, and we were able to find a trade partner. Oddly enough, it was across town.”
Related
This winter, Rodriguez re-signed a one-year, $2 million deal with up to $300K in incentives to return to the Bronx, days after the Yankees declined his $3 million option in favor of a $500K buyout. It was a small savings move after Rodriguez had a 2.84 ERA in 19 innings after being acquired at the trade deadline, but now, the Yankees turned those savings into righty Miguel Castro, acquired on the other side of the deal.
The Mets could carry David Peterson or one of two non-roster invitees, Alex Claudio or Chasen Shreve, in their bullpen on Opening Day as well, but if not, Rodriguez is it from the southpaw side – for now.
“I have nothing active right now,” Eppler said, “but I generally am always open to improving our roster wherever I can."
Follow Lou DiPietro on Twitter: @LouDiPietroWFAN
Follow WFAN on Social Media
Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | YouTube | Twitch