News: Kunz could be Demoted for Ayala
In case you missed it, on Sunday, the Mets acquired 30–year-old RHP Luis Ayala from the Nationals in exchange for 2B Anderson Hernandez.
According to multiple reports, RHP Eddie Kunz will likely be sent back to the minor leagues when Ayala joins the Mets later today.
Kunz joined the Mets on Monday, August 3, and has since pitched in just four games, during which he let up four runs and five hits in 2.2 innings.
…i am trying real hard not to judge kunz, because he is essentially getting an introduction to the Heath Bell Treatment…hopefully, the next time he is called upon to join the team’s bullpen, he is actually used…in short, these guys are pitchers, and need to pitch…to let a kid like kunz, or bell, just sit around, while hoping he can shine when used just once every five or six days, is not fair…that’s not how he or any relief pitcher is conditioned to perform…
In Ayala’s first three seasons, he was 24-22 with a 2.75 ERA in 232 innings.
However, in 2006, he injured his right elbow during the World Baseball Classic and missed the entire season. He returned last year to post a 3.19 ERA in 42 innings.
This season, though, Ayala is 1-8 with a 5.77 ERA.
