Jeremy Hefner doesnt get credit he deserves for transforming Mets pitching into sudden strength
MILWAUKEE — Beginning Friday the Mets are facing the prospect of finishing the marathon season with a sprint of five games in four days, exhausting a rotation that might not have a starter available on regular rest for Game 1 of a wild-card series and expecting a bullpen that has stabilized to perform in the most important innings of the season.It is a lot to ask from the group, but perhaps it is being asked at the right time.The Mets pitching staff, according to FanGraphs, has been the most valuable in the majors in September.Every starting pitcher has taken leaps from the beginning of the season.
The bullpen has evolved but finally settled into a strength.The Mets have discovered an ace in Sean Manaea, who will start Friday — the only starter in the series against the Brewers the team has announced, with a possible doubleheader in Atlanta looming Monday.The Mets have discovered capable pieces around Manaea.Edwin Diaz has been strong, but so have the relievers found on the margins, either from other clubs or minor league call-ups.All of which reflects well on Jeremy Hefner.“I don’t think he gets all the credit he deserves,” Reed Garrett said of the Mets pitching coach.
“I don’t think we could do what we do on the field without him.”Garrett is one of those finds, a fourth-year major leaguer who entered this season with a career 7.11 ERA and who was claimed from the Orioles last year.The righty heard from Hefner when he joined the organization, first by text and phone call and then in person, and a strong relationship began.On the mound, Garrett minimized his four-seamer and added a sinker.
In the offseason, Garrett worked on landing his splitter for strikes.He kept up with Hefner through the winter.“I trust him more than any coach I’ve ever trusted,” said Garrett, who has been a revelation with a 3.18 ERA and 81 strikeouts in 56 ²/₃ innings.
“He is a genuine human being who cares about you as a person, not just a player.… He’s jus...