As the Mets struggled through May — in the bullpen, on defense and at the plate — they did so knowing help was on the way. In essence, they hoped to tread water until their injured regulars returned.
Anthony Swarzak, signed to a $14 million deal in the off-season to provide a stable arm in the back of the bullpen, had been out since the first week of the season with a left oblique injury. Third baseman Todd Frazier, another key off-season addition at $17 million, was among the Mets’ most consistent offensive and defensive players before he landed on the disabled list on May 8 with a left hamstring strain.