PORT ST. LUCIE — Ryan O’Rourke was maybe the least notable of the free-agent relievers the Mets brought into camp this spring, but the left-hander is still standing and continues to emerge in the battle to claim a spot in the team’s bullpen.
His chances increased Friday, when the team optioned relievers Tyler Bashlor, Tim Peterson and Daniel Zamora to minor league camp. O’Rourke then pitched a scoreless inning against the Cardinals in an exhibition game, lowering his ERA this spring to 1.74 in nine appearances.
With the expectation that left-hander Luis Avilan is already guaranteed a spot on the roster, there are one or two bullpen openings remaining, depending on whether the Mets elect to carry seven or eight relievers.