The starting pitching performed well the last week of the first half overall, but the bullpen continues to be a major issue for the Mets. David Stearns took preliminary steps to rectify this by bringing in Phil Maton via trade and claiming Alex Young off waivers (Young was optioned to Triple A), but more bullpen help is going to be needed, especially with Reed Garrett the latest Mets reliever to hit the injured list.
![](https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/JGww_fh7wUPt9O9dI9kzhDAlgE4=/0x0:299x528/1920x0/filters:focal(0x0:299x528):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25538533/Screenshot_2024_07_19_165951.png)
Reed Garrett was placed on the injured list on July 10 with elbow inflammation following his outing the day before in which he let the Nationals back into the game in the ninth inning, necessitating the use of Edwin Díaz to get the final out.