If there is one area that has stood out as an Achilles’ heel for the Mets so far this season, it would be the bullpen (although a credible argument can be made for the team’s offense).
In the wake of Bobby Parnell’s partially torn medial collateral ligament — a season-ending injury — the team has cycled through closers, with Daisuke Matsuzaka, Jose Valverde, Kyle Farnsworth and Jenrry Mejia getting shots at finishing off games.
Entering Friday, eight of the team’s 25 losses have been charged to relievers.
Meanwhile, at Triple-A Las Vegas — which is no haven to pitchers — there’s a reliever who’s quietly putting together a strong season: 27-year-old Miguel Socolovich, who has posted a 2.88 ERA in 18 appearances.
“His repertoire is four- and two-seam fastball, changeup and slider,” Las Vegas pitching coach Tom Signore said. “He predominantly goes with a fastball/changeup attack, with his changeup being his best pitch. His changeup makes his fastball more viable.”
Socolovich, a native of Caracas, Venezuela, who signed as an amateur free agent with the Red Sox in 2004, had his first go-round in the big leagues two seasons ago, when he pitched six games apiece for the Orioles and Cubs. He didn’t distinguish himself in either place, pitching to a 6.06 ERA.
Socolovich appeared to regain his mojo in Japan last year, posting a 0.79 ERA in 11 games for Hiroshima. His strong 2013 led the Mets to sign him to a minor league deal in November.
The righty wasted no time making an impact this season. Over an 11-game span from April 11 to May 16, he sported a 1.84 ERA with 18 strikeouts in 18 innings.
However, Socolovich has hit a rough patch of late. Entering Friday, he had allowed runs in three of his last four outings. Signore said Socolovich needs to find more consistency.
“The part of his game that needs the most work is consistently repeating his delivery,” Signore said. “Occasionally, [he] will pull off pitches and bury his head rather than staying on line with good extension to his catcher.”
If the relievers currently in Flushing continue to struggle, it’s possible Socolovich will get the call back up to the majors.
Signore believes Socolovich would handle the transition with ease.
“He has the proper temperament for a reliever,” Signore said. “He’ll take the ball without hesitation and does not back off any challenge from a tough situation.”