Núñez Poised to Be a ‘Huge Boost’ for Mets’ Bullpen—When He’s Ready #1

When Dedniel Núñez took the mound for a bullpen session on Saturday morning at Clover Park, it felt like the entire Mets coaching staff was watching. Pitching coach Jeremy Hefner joked that about 17 staff members were present, but the truth wasn’t far off. Manager Carlos Mendoza was among the group https://www.storenymets.com/collections/juan-soto-jersey closely evaluating Núñez, a key piece of the Mets’ 2024 bullpen whose health could significantly impact the team’s success this season.

“We’ve got to keep this guy healthy,” Mendoza emphasized earlier in the week. “He’s a big part of our bullpen, especially the back end, and we’re going to be careful with him.”

A year ago, Núñez wasn’t even on the radar for a Major League camp invite. Yet, he made his debut in early April and quickly turned heads with his upper-90s fastball and devastating slider. By late May, he had become a reliable bullpen weapon, striking out 35 batters over 27 innings with a stellar 2.00 ERA between May 28 and July 23.

However, Núñez’s breakout season hit a snag when he sprained part of the pronator mass in his right forearm. After missing a month, he returned for just one appearance before landing back on the injured list. At the time, the Mets feared he might need major surgery. Instead, they opted for rest and rehabilitation, a decision that ultimately paid off. Still, Núñez missed the team’s postseason run, watching from the sidelines as Mendoza pushed other relievers to their limits.

“I would see game situations where I knew I could help, but I couldn’t,” Núñez said through an interpreter. “It was frustrating and uncomfortable to watch.”

In December, Núñez suffered a minor setback, experiencing discomfort that delayed his rehab and prevented him from pitching in winter ball. By January, though, he felt strong enough to throw two live batting practice sessions—one at the Mets’ Dominican academy and another with his winter ball team, Licey. Hitting 96 mph during those sessions boosted his confidence.

“In January, I started feeling much better,” Núñez said. “That’s when I turned a corner.”

Unlike many of his teammates, Núñez has yet to face live hitters in camp. His bullpen session on Saturday was only his second of the spring, and the Mets are taking a cautious approach with his progression. While the goal is to have him ready for Opening Day, the team is prepared to give him extra time if needed.

“It’s definitely a possibility that he might need an extra week or two,” Hefner said. “We want him ready, and he’s on track, but https://www.storenymets.com/collections/justin-hagenman-jersey we won’t rush him into anything he’s not prepared for.”

When healthy, Núñez is one of the Mets’ top seven bullpen arms, capable of handling high-leverage situations. However, unlike many other relievers, he has Minor League options, giving the team flexibility to start him at Triple-A Syracuse if necessary. The injured list is also an option if his recovery doesn’t progress as hoped.

The next few weeks will be critical. If Núñez begins facing hitters, appears in Grapefruit League games, and shows promising results, he could secure a spot in the Opening Day bullpen. If not, the Mets are prepared to wait, knowing his eventual return will be worth it.

“Right now, he’s climbing,” Hefner said. “When he’s ready—whether that’s Opening Day, early April, or later—it’ll be a huge boost for us. But we’re going to listen to him and his body. We won’t rush him just to meet an arbitrary deadline. When he’s ready, he’s ready.”

For the Mets, Núñez’s return to full strength could be a game-changer. His electric stuff and ability to dominate in high-pressure situations make him a vital piece of the puzzle. The team is willing to wait for the right moment to unleash him, knowing his impact could be the difference-maker in their quest for success.

When Dedniel Núñez took the mound for a bullpen session on Saturday morning at Clover Park, it felt like the entire Mets coaching staff was watching. Pitching coach Jeremy Hefner joked that about 17 staff members were present, but the truth wasn’t far off. Manager Carlos Mendoza was among the group https://www.storenymets.com/collections/juan-soto-jersey closely evaluating Núñez, a key piece of the Mets’ 2024 bullpen whose health could significantly impact the team’s success this season. “We’ve got to keep this guy healthy,” Mendoza emphasized earlier in the week. “He’s a big part of our bullpen, especially the back end, and we’re going to be careful with him.” A year ago, Núñez wasn’t even on the radar for a Major League camp invite. Yet, he made his debut in early April and quickly turned heads with his upper-90s fastball and devastating slider. By late May, he had become a reliable bullpen weapon, striking out 35 batters over 27 innings with a stellar 2.00 ERA between May 28 and July 23. However, Núñez’s breakout season hit a snag when he sprained part of the pronator mass in his right forearm. After missing a month, he returned for just one appearance before landing back on the injured list. At the time, the Mets feared he might need major surgery. Instead, they opted for rest and rehabilitation, a decision that ultimately paid off. Still, Núñez missed the team’s postseason run, watching from the sidelines as Mendoza pushed other relievers to their limits. “I would see game situations where I knew I could help, but I couldn’t,” Núñez said through an interpreter. “It was frustrating and uncomfortable to watch.” In December, Núñez suffered a minor setback, experiencing discomfort that delayed his rehab and prevented him from pitching in winter ball. By January, though, he felt strong enough to throw two live batting practice sessions—one at the Mets’ Dominican academy and another with his winter ball team, Licey. Hitting 96 mph during those sessions boosted his confidence. “In January, I started feeling much better,” Núñez said. “That’s when I turned a corner.” Unlike many of his teammates, Núñez has yet to face live hitters in camp. His bullpen session on Saturday was only his second of the spring, and the Mets are taking a cautious approach with his progression. While the goal is to have him ready for Opening Day, the team is prepared to give him extra time if needed. “It’s definitely a possibility that he might need an extra week or two,” Hefner said. “We want him ready, and he’s on track, but https://www.storenymets.com/collections/justin-hagenman-jersey we won’t rush him into anything he’s not prepared for.” When healthy, Núñez is one of the Mets’ top seven bullpen arms, capable of handling high-leverage situations. However, unlike many other relievers, he has Minor League options, giving the team flexibility to start him at Triple-A Syracuse if necessary. The injured list is also an option if his recovery doesn’t progress as hoped. The next few weeks will be critical. If Núñez begins facing hitters, appears in Grapefruit League games, and shows promising results, he could secure a spot in the Opening Day bullpen. If not, the Mets are prepared to wait, knowing his eventual return will be worth it. “Right now, he’s climbing,” Hefner said. “When he’s ready—whether that’s Opening Day, early April, or later—it’ll be a huge boost for us. But we’re going to listen to him and his body. We won’t rush him just to meet an arbitrary deadline. When he’s ready, he’s ready.” For the Mets, Núñez’s return to full strength could be a game-changer. His electric stuff and ability to dominate in high-pressure situations make him a vital piece of the puzzle. The team is willing to wait for the right moment to unleash him, knowing his impact could be the difference-maker in their quest for success.