Struggles of Ryan Helsley Remain Unaddressed by the Mets

Mets' Ryan Helsley Struggles Continue as High ERA Persists

New York Mets' reliever Ryan Helsley, who was acquired at the trade deadline to serve as Edwin Diaz's set-up man, has been facing a series of challenges since joining the team. In his first 14 appearances, Helsley has allowed 14 runs in 11 innings, resulting in an 11.45 ERA.

Carlos Mendoza, the Mets' manager, has expressed his frustration with Helsley's performance. Despite the pitcher's high velocity, batters continue to take good swings and hit his breaking balls effectively. Mendoza and pitching coach Jeremy Hefner are currently trying to determine the cause of Helsley's struggles, with a possibility being an inability to locate his pitches properly.

Helsley himself acknowledges the issue, stating that batters are swinging at pitches that should be slower. He is trying to return to basics and start anew to improve his form. However, attempts to address tipping concerns have not yielded positive results.

The Mets' loss to the Detroit Tigers was a result of Helsley's performance in the seventh inning, where he yielded a three-run home run, contributing to the Mets' 6-2 loss. This loss, while disappointing, has not affected the Mets' overall standing. They currently hold a four-game lead over the San Francisco Giants for the third National League Wild Card spot.

The Mets will face the Cincinnati Reds in a crucial three-game series starting on Friday. The team will be hoping for a turnaround in Helsley's performance, as his struggles are causing concern for both Mendoza and Hefner, who are seeking solutions to help him.

Mendoza emphasizes the importance of Helsley elevating his fastball for effectiveness. In a game against the Detroit Tigers, Helsley's fastball against Carpenter was low and inside, requiring elevation to be effective. The Mets have yet to successfully help Helsley improve his performance with the team, but they remain optimistic that they can find a solution to help him regain his form.

There are no reported mechanical issues with Helsley's pitching. Helpful fact-finding to understand Helsley's high ERA includes investigating whether he is tipping his pitches, which has been acknowledged as a main issue since joining the team, causing hitters to anticipate his throws effectively; also examining changes in his role from closer to setup man, his adjustment to new coaching, and any potential mental or muscle memory struggles with pitch execution. The Mets are committed to supporting Helsley and helping him overcome these challenges.