With Fernando Salas back with the New York Mets, a crucial hole in the bullpen may have been filled.
Fernando-Mania is back with the New York Mets after Ken Rosenthal of Fox reported that he has re-signed with the club, pending a physical.
Per Steve Adams of MLB Trade Rumors, the deal is for one year and worth $3 million plus $350K worth of incentives.
Salas was acquired last season from the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim after the trade deadline for Erik Manoah. Fernando made 17 appearances for the Metropolitans, compiling 19 strikeouts with a 2.08 ERA as a reliever.
The 31-year-old will add depth to a bullpen that may be without its primary closer, Jeurys Familia for an extended amount of time. Familia is expected to be notified of his suspension for violating major league baseball’s domestic violence policy before Opening Day.
With Addison Reed as the logical choice to fill in at closer, Salas may be used in a set-up role. Salas improved greatly after his move to New York, as the right-hander carved out a substantial role during the Mets’ Wild Card run.
After the signings of Fernando Salas and Tom Gorzelanny today, Sandy Alderson will bring a variety of relief options into Spring Training with the hopes that the bullpen can tread water until the return of their all-star closer.
