The Mets acquired J.J. Putz in the off-season to be a shutdown 8th inning pitcher and bridge the gap to Francisco Rodriguez. Putz has been anything but effective lately and has now been moved to the 7th inning, says David Lennon.
Bobby Parnell will take over the 8th inning, just like I had hoped for a few days ago.
Putz has been struggling with arm issues this season and it has shown. He’s walked 19 batters this year, after walking just 26 in 2006 and 2007 combined.
I wrote this on Monday: “As it stands now, I’d be more confident seeing Parnell enter for the 8th inning, in the higher pressure situations.”
I’m glad Jerry Manuel agrees, for now.
“This is not long term,” Manuel told Rubin.