Mets get much-needed bullpen help with trade for Nats' Ayala
Sports Network | August 17, 2008
Washington, DC (Sports Network) - The New York Mets acquired relief pitcher Luis Ayala from the Washington Nationals on Sunday for a player to be named later, which is expected to be infielder Anderson Hernandez.
New York's bullpen has been the subject of much scrutiny this season, and though Ayala, 30, has struggled to a 1-8 record with a 5.77 earned run average this season, he entered Sunday with 62 appearances and gives the Mets another right-handed relief option.
In 320 career games through five seasons, all with the Montreal/Washington franchise, Ayala has compiled a 27-32 record with nine saves and a 3.33 ERA.
Mets closer Billy Wagner is still sidelined with tightness in his left arm, as New York continues to use the closer-by-committee option until the perennial All-Star returns.
