Mets trade for another lefty reliever, acquire Blevins from Nationals

The New York Mets have traded for a second left-handed reliever in as many hours.

Shortly after acquiring Alex Torres from the San Diego Padres, the Mets added lefty Jerry Blevins from the Washington Nationals for outfielder Matt den Dekker.

Blevins is expected to serve as a left-handed specialist, general manager Sandy Alderson told reporters Monday, after limiting same-side hitters to a minuscule .160 batting average in 2014. 

Blevins has struggled with command issues throughout his career and suffered through a bloated 4.87 ERA during his only season in Washington, but the eight-year veteran also struck out a personal-best 10.4 batters per nine innings and owned a sparkling 2.77 FIP. The 6-foot-6 southpaw pitched the previous seven years in Oakland, where he posted a 3.30 ERA and 1.21 WHIP.

The 31-year-old will earn $2.4 million this year and is set to become a free agent at the end of the season.

Earlier this month, the Mets lost their bullpen's top left-hander when Josh Edgin opted for Tommy John surgery to repair his torn UCL. Edgin's injury exposed one of the club's biggest weaknesses and prompted Alderson to swing a pair of deals just hours apart.

"What was something of a glaring weakness I think now becomes - could become - a strength," Alderson said. 

Den Dekker was not expected to make the Mets' Opening Day roster but he'll provide the Nationals with much-needed depth at the position while they deal with injuries to Denard Span and Jayson Werth. The 27-year-old hit .250 with a .667 OPS and seven stolen bases over 53 games during his rookie season in 2014.