Mets bring back Dom Hamel, a promising talent on the brink of Major League Baseball debut
New York Mets Bring in Dom Hamel as Relief Arm Amid Rotation Struggles
The New York Mets have bolstered their bullpen with the addition of right-handed pitcher Dom Hamel, who was recalled from Triple-A Syracuse on Monday. Hamel, a multi-inning relief arm, is expected to provide length and innings out of the bullpen, a necessity for the Mets as they navigate a rotation in flux.
Hamel has transitioned from a starter to a swingman and long reliever role in Triple-A Syracuse this season. In 22 appearances (eight starts), he posted a 4.73 ERA with 59 strikeouts in 53.1 innings. The Mets brought him up to replace Austin Warren, who was optioned to Triple-A after a heavy recent workload, signaling Hamel’s role will focus on consuming multiple innings when needed to preserve the rest of the bullpen.
Manager Carlos Mendoza described Hamel as someone who "has pitches, multiple innings," emphasizing the need for length in relief to protect the bullpen’s overall health during stretches without off days. Hamel's ability to eat innings and adapt to bullpen roles is considered valuable, especially in the Mets’ push during the playoff race.
Despite his promising performance and positive attitude, Hamel's permanence in the Mets bullpen is uncertain. The bullpen has been strengthened through trades and other moves, making roster spots competitive. His 4.73 ERA and 1.260 WHIP at Triple-A indicate solid but not dominant results, and the Mets may view him as a temporary or situational bullpen piece until higher-profile pitchers like Brandon Sproat or Nol McLean are ready to join.
Hamel himself expressed excitement about the call-up and confidence in handling the workload of a reliever at the Major League level. His experience throwing over 115 innings in recent years gives him comfort in managing the innings load as a multi-inning reliever.
The Mets are currently in need of a reliever who can provide length due to their rotation being in flux. David Peterson is the only Mets starter since June 13 to complete six innings in a game. Frankie Montas, who had a poor outing in the Mets' 12-4 loss to the San Francisco Giants, raising his season ERA to 6.68, might use an opener before handing the ball over to Montas in his next start. Kodai Senga has also struggled in his last three starts for the Mets.
Dom Hamel, ranked as the No. 27 prospect within the New York Mets organization by MLB Pipeline, brings a valuable depth to the Mets' bullpen. His ability to eat innings and adapt to bullpen roles could prove crucial in the team's push for the playoffs.
Summary of Dom Hamel’s role, performance, and impact on Mets relief rotation:
| Aspect | Description | |----------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | Role | Multi-inning reliever / swingman, providing length in the bullpen | | Performance | 4.73 ERA, 1.260 WHIP, 59 strikeouts over 53.1 Triple-A innings (22 appearances, 8 starts) | | Impact | Helps preserve bullpen by eating multiple innings; called up due to bullpen workload needs after Austin Warren’s exit | | Outlook | Seen as a solid depth arm, unlikely to be a permanent fixture but valuable in the short term | | Team status | 27th ranked Mets prospect; joining in playoff push situation |
This context shows the Mets value Hamel as an innings eater who can help maintain bullpen effectiveness during intensive stretches, though his long-term impact depends on his performance and competition within the bullpen.
- The New York Mets, amid their rotation struggles, have turned to sports like baseball and MLB to reinforce their relief rotation by calling up Dom Hamel, a multi-inning relief arm from Triple-A Syracuse.
- Dom Hamel, currently in the Mets' bullpen, is expected to provide length and innings, especially significant given the team's need for a reliever who can eat significant innings due to their rotation being in flux.
