Fansided

Mets land closer Tyler Clippard from the A’s

By Josh Criswell

Jul 11, 2015; Cleveland, OH, USA; Oakland Athletics relief pitcher Tyler Clippard (36) delivers in the ninth inning against the Cleveland Indians at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 11, 2015; Cleveland, OH, USA; Oakland Athletics relief pitcher Tyler Clippard (36) delivers in the ninth inning against the Cleveland Indians at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports /
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The New York Mets continue their push toward returning to the playoffs, acquiring closer Tyler Clippard from the Oakland A’s.

The New York Mets have not made the playoffs since 2006, but they are on the verge of finally making a return. Today, their chances got even better.

The Mets acquired closer Tyler Clippard and cash considerations from the Oakland A’s in exchange for minor league right-handed pitcher Casey Meisner.

Clippard has taken a step back from his All-Star performance in 2014, but he has still been a reliable arm to turn to in the ninth inning. This season, he has recorded a 2.79 earned run average, is averaging 8.8 strikeouts per nine innings and opponents are hitting just .175 against him. While his talents may have been going to waste on an Oakland A’s team that is in last place in the American League West, they will have plenty of use for a Mets team that is only two games back in the playoff race.

They currently trail the Washington Nationals for the National League East lead, but their two-game deficit is something that can change in the course of a few days. Both teams have been struggling as of late, and a reliable closer could become a difference maker.

The team’s expected closer at the beginning of the season, Jenrry Mejia, has missed the majority of the season with injuries and a performance-enhancing drug related suspension. While he has been solid since returning, the Mets have made a wise decision to acquire a proven reliever to close out games.

Their bullpen already ranks among the best, despite Mejia only appearing in seven games. The Mets currently rank third in the MLB with a 3.26 ERA, and their relief pitching has played a large part in that. Clippard’s arrival gives the Mets potentially the most dangerous bullpen in the National League.

As teams prepare for postseason runs in the final months of the season, relief pitching is often overlooked. Acquiring Clippard may not be a blockbuster deal that sends shockwaves through baseball. It may not even be considered one of the top-10 deals leading up to the MLB trade deadline.

But what it will do is give the Mets somebody they can rely on to close the door at the end of tight ballgames. Come playoff time, this could prove to be just as valuable as trading for one of the big names on the trade market.

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