New York Mets reliever Robert Gsellman is likely done for the remainder of the year after suffering a partial lat tear, per Andy Martino of SNY.tv:
Source: Robert Gsellman has a partial lat tear. Timetable tbd, but given the timing it's hard to see how he pitches again this season. Mets down a reliever.
— Andy Martino (@martinonyc) August 20, 2019
Gsellman has not been the most effective of relievers for the Mets this season, posting a 4.66 ERA and recording four blown saves.
However, the 26-year-old has routinely been one of the more reliable innings-eaters for manager Mickey Callaway. Gsellman tossed 80 innings last season, and he led all Mets relievers with 63 2/3 innings of work before hitting the shelf.
Although they boast one of the deepest and most talented rotations in baseball, New York's bullpen has been a total mystery for Callaway. The Mets brought in former Seattle Mariners closer Edwin Diaz to be an impact arm at the end of games, but Diaz has struggled immensely, posting a 5.32 ERA and 1.458 WHIP in 47 1/3 innings of work while losing the closer job to Seth Lugo.
General manager Brodie Van Wagenen also brought Jeurys Familia back to town after Familia excelled with the Oakland Athletics last year, but Familia has dealt with command issues all season, posting a 6.21 ERA and a ridiculous 7.1 BB/9 in 42 innings of work.
Lugo had a scoreless streak of over 15 innings and dominated in July, but he also gave up five runs in a blown save against the Atlanta Braves on Aug. 14.
The bullpen might hold the keys to New York's playoff hopes, which is why Gsellman's injury could prove to be a massive loss down the road. If the Mets do not see improvement from Diaz or Familia or fail to get contributions in the middle innings, it is unlikely that they can earn a Wild Card berth.
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