Mets Make Impact Move, Acquire Athletics' Closer Tyler Clippard
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- The Mets now have a very impressive back end of the bullpen.
General manager Sandy Alderson bolstered the bridge to closer Jeurys Familia by acquiring closer Tyler Clippard and cash considerations from the Oakland Athletics for Single-A pitching prospect Casey Meisner, the Mets announced on Monday evening.
Clippard had been a mainstay in the Washington Nationals' bullpen for several seasons before being traded to Oakland in January. The 30-year-old right-hander went 34-24 with 34 saves and a 2.68 ERA in 414 games, all but two in relief, from 2008-14.
A two-time All-Star who broke into the majors with the Yankees in 2007, Clippard was 1-3 with 17 saves and a 2.79 ERA in 37 appearances this season for the Athletics.
Clippard was targeted because Jenrry Mejia is not eligible to pitch in the postseason due to his drug suspension and because former closer Bobby Parnell has lost some velocity following Tommy John surgery. Also, it's unclear when Jerry Blevins, who was brilliant as the team's left-handed specialist before getting injured in April, will return.
Clippard now becomes the perfect eighth inning option to get the ball to Familia, who has 27 saves and a 1.70 ERA this season.
Sitting two games out of first in the NL East heading into their off day on Monday, the Mets are coming off a split of a four-game series with the Los Angeles Dodgers at Citi Field.
MORE: Kallet: Alderson Gives Mets Fighting Chance By Adding Uribe, Johnson
On Friday night, general manager Sandy Alderson acquired veteran infielders Juan Uribe and Kelly Johnson from the Atlanta Braves for a pair of minor leaguers.
The Mets are also reportedly interested in acquiring a big bat before Friday's trade deadline.
