It’s time for Parnell to take over the 8th

J.J. Putz is struggling.

In 27 games this season, Putz has already walked 18 batters.  In 2006 and 2007, he walked only 13 batters the entire year.

In 28 1-3 innings, Putz has struck out 19 batters.  In 78.1 innings in 2006, Putz struck out 104 batters that faced him.

He also may be pitching injured.  We know Putz has a bone spur in his arm, which you are able to play through if the pain isn’t bad.  Putz got a cortisone shot in his arm to help the pain, and he came back and looked excellent.  Now that the shot is further and further in his past, he may be pitching in pain again and it’s affecting his performance.

Putz is sporting a 3.81 ERA, not bad by any means.  But as the Mets 8th inning guy, I think they can do better.  Bobby Parnell, the young rookie, has posted a 2.11 ERA.  Though he’s walked nine, he’s also struck out 19 in 21 1-3 innings.

As it stands now, I’d be more confident seeing Parnell enter for the 8th inning, in the higher pressure situations.  I don’t know if Putz is pitching in pain or not, but something just isn’t right with him, and it shows.

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: If there’s a market for Putz, the Mets should consider trading him away. 

They were unsure of what they had in Parnell, but he has quickly blossomed into an integral part of the bullpen.  Putz could net the Mets a player that they may be missing right now and I think they could live without him.

Putz has a team option for $10.5 million for next year, way too much to pay a set-up guy.  It’s highly unlikely he’s with the Mets beyond the year. 

Keep Putz pitching in the seventh inning, then entertain offers for him once the deadline approaches.  If he can stay healthy, he might be the key to getting the player the Mets may need down the stretch.