Ryan Helsley's recent performance has the Mets searching for answers. After another shaky outing on Monday against the Detroit Tigers, the struggling reliever was pulled before he could do further damage. Helsley entered the game in the seventh inning with a four-run lead, but quickly surrendered a run, leading to his removal with two outs.
Despite the rocky appearance, Mets manager Carlos Mendoza saw some positives. "I actually thought he was better [than previously]," Mendoza said after the Mets' 10-8 victory. "They came out aggressive swinging."
Helsley allowed a leadoff double to Riley Greene, and Zach McKinstry followed with an RBI single two outs later. Brooks Raley was then brought in to secure the final out of the inning.
"The fact that [Helsley] threw strikes and challenged hitters is a positive there," Mendoza added.
Helsley has allowed at least one run in seven of his last 10 appearances. He has recently suggested he's been working to correct a potential pitch-tipping issue. "I just think it comes down to execution," Mendoza said when asked about Helsley's progress with the pitch-tipping problem. "Today they were aggressive and got him."
In other Mets news, Mendoza hinted that Kodai Senga will remain in the rotation, clarifying earlier comments suggesting a decision hadn't been made. "They are part of the rotation," Mendoza confirmed, referring to Sean Manaea and Senga.
The Mets have a day off on Thursday, their first in a stretch of 16 games, providing flexibility for the weekend series in Cincinnati. Mendoza indicated that Nolan McLean, Clay Holmes, and David Peterson are lined up for the next three games.