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The New York Mets kept busy Monday by adding another veteran to help with their push toward the postseason.
The Mets acquired right-handed reliever Tyler Clippard and cash considerations from the Oakland Athletics in exchange for minor-league pitcher Casey Meisner, the club announced. Clippard, who has roughly $3.1 million remaining on his salary, will be a free agent this winter.
Clippard's services were reportedly being pursued by several suitors leading up to Friday's trade deadline, and his acquisition bolsters a Mets bullpen already ranked third in the National League with a 2.86 ERA.
The Mets, who entered Monday two games back of the division-leading Washington Nationals, are familiar with Clippard from his seven seasons pitching in the NL East. He was a key member of the Nationals' bullpen between 2008 and 2014, earning a pair of All-Star appearances and saving a career-high 32 games in 2012.
| 1-2 PUNCH | IP | K/9 | ERA | FIP | SV |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Clippard | 38.2 | 8.8 | 2.79 | 3.89 | 17 |
| Familia | 47.2 | 9.3 | 1.70 | 2.98 | 27 |
The 30-year-old right-hander is expected to serve as the setup man to Jeurys Familia, who's emerged as a reliable ninth-inning option for Terry Collins since incumbent closer Jenrry Mejia's elbow injury and subsequent PED suspension in April.
Clippard's effectiveness against left-handed hitters will be of particular value to a Mets bullpen that lost lefties Josh Edgin and Jerry Blevins to serious injuries this season. Clippard's held opposite-sided hitters to a .100/.222/.129 slash line over 81 appearances.
Meisner, a towering 6-foot-7 right-handed pitcher, was the Mets' third-round pick in the 2013 draft. The 20-year-old crafted a 2.83 ERA with 23 strikeouts in 35 innings between Class-A Savannah and High-A St. Lucie.
Monday's trade is the Mets' second significant move ahead of Friday's non-waiver trade deadline. The club acquired third baseman Juan Uribe and second baseman Kelly Johnson in a four-player trade with the Atlanta Braves last week.