Mets' Bullpen Crisis: Last-Minute Scramble for Lefties

0:00This is Corey with the story with New York Metz news today, powered by the Daily News Now. Subscribe for daily updates on your team. The New York Metz are down to the wire on their opening day roster with just one week until they host Paul Schienz and the Pittsburgh Pirates next Thursday. The biggest headache is their bullpen, especially finding reliable left-handed relief pitchers. AJ Minter will start the season on the injured list, leaving Brooks Raley as their main left the option. They counted on Brian Hudson to back him up after his strong 1.73 ERA last year in Milwaukee. But Hudson has struggled badly this spring. His Friday outing was rough, allowing three runs and just two outs while walking two batters. That pushed his spring ERA to 18.00, putting his roster spot in serious doubt and rattling the clubhouse. The Metz have already made several cuts, sending down Jonah Tongue, Christian Scott, Mike Bauman, Joey Gerber, and Infielder Ronny Mauricio to clear. Space.

1:00Now they're eyeing Richard Love Lady as a possible replacement or even free agents from waivers. Decisions have to come fast over the next couple days, since the Pirates won't wait around for the bullpen to click into place.