Ottavino struck out two in a perfect eighth inning Sunday to record his 10th hold of the season in a loss to the Diamondbacks.

EDGE Analysis

Mets manager Carlos Mendoza deployed Reed Garrett in the seventh inning and Ottavino in the eighth to protect a 4-3 lead to great effect, but Jake Diekman then blew the save in the ninth. The pecking order for saves in the absence of Edwin Diaz (shoulder) remains murky, but all three pitchers could see chances depending on the matchups. Ottavino hasn't made much of a case to claim the full-time closer gig -- since the beginning of May, he's stumbled to an 8.49 ERA, 1.97 WHIP and 14:7 K:BB through 11.2 innings.

Ottavino (1-2) took the loss Wednesday against the Dodgers, coughing up four runs on three hits and a walk in one-third of an inning. He struck out one.

EDGE Analysis

The veteran right-hander melted down in a disastrous eighth inning for the Mets, serving up a solo shot to Will Smith to lead off the frame and watching the two runners he left on base when he exited the mound come around to score. Ottavino has a brutal 9.28 ERA and 2.16 WHIP over 10.2 innings in May, and even with Edwin Diaz (shoulder) now on the IL, his spot in the team's high-leverage mix seems very shaky.

Ottavino blew his second save of the season in the first game of Tuesday's doubleheader against the Dodgers, giving up a run on three hits in the ninth inning while striking out one.

EDGE Analysis

Called upon to protect a 2-1 lead, Ottavino instead gave up three straight singles to begin the frame, although the third one came on a safety squeeze by Chris Taylor that the right-hander couldn't field cleanly. Ottavino hasn't been able to take advantage of Edwin Diaz's recent struggles, and he's stumbled to a 6.75 ERA and 1.93 WHIP over his last 10 appearances. The back of the Mets' bullpen is a mess right now, and it's not clear who manager Carlos Mendoza might turn to the next time the team has a late lead.

Ottavino should be in the mix for save opportunities going forward after manager Carlos Mendoza said Sunday that closer Edwin Diaz will shift to a "fluid" role, Paige Leckie of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Diaz had a strong start to the season after missing all of 2023 with a torn patellar tendon, but his confidence is off after a period where he's given up seven runs in his past three outings. Ottavino has a 2.95 ERA, 0.93 WHIP and 26:6 K:BB across 18.1 innings this season and has recorded eight holds and a save in a setup role. Reed Garrett should also be in the mix for the ninth inning until Diaz rediscovers his form.

Ottavino got the save in Tuesday's 7-5 win over the Cardinals, allowing one run on two hits and a walk while striking out two in the ninth.

EDGE Analysis

Ottavino was called upon to close the game out after Edwin Diaz had pitched back-to-back days Sunday and Monday. The right-hander surrendered a one-out home run to Lars Nootbaar and then allowed the next two batters to reach, but ultimately got himself out of trouble by striking out Paul Goldschmidt and Alec Burleson to end the game. Ottavino has now given up three runs over his last 2.2 innings and is due for some rest having pitched three of the last four days. He now owns a 3.14 ERA, 0.98 WHIP and 24:5 K:BB in 14.1 innings.

Ottavino (1-0) struck out two in a perfect eighth inning Monday to record a win over the Pirates.

EDGE Analysis

The veteran right-hander fired 11 pitches (nine strikes) while shutting down the heart of Pittsburgh's order and preserving a 3-3 tie, and the Mets broke the game open in the bottom half of the inning. Ottavino has had an impressive start to the season, racking up a 12:0 K:BB through seven innings with a 2.57 ERA and 0.57 WHIP, and he has two holds in addition to Monday's win as one of Edwin Diaz's primary setup men.

Ottavino has allowed one run this spring over four appearances with a 4:4 K:BB.

EDGE Analysis

The 38-year-old right-hander re-signed with the Mets in January and should be one of the team's top setup men in front of closer Edwin Diaz. Ottavino helped cover for Diaz's absence last year and recorded a career-high 12 saves along with 12 holds, but he has six career seasons with 20-plus holds and should return to that level in 2024.

Ottavino signed a one-year, $4.5 million contract with the Mets on Saturday, Joel Sherman of the New York Post reports.

EDGE Analysis

Ottavino declined his player option worth $6.75 million earlier in the season, and the fact $4 million of that salary would have been deferred likely played a part in that decision. He'll now stick with the Mets on a cheaper deal and likely reprise his role as a high-leverage reliever. The 38-year-old righty logged a 3.21 ERA and 1.22 WHIP with 62 strikeouts in 61.2 innings last season while collecting a career-best 12 saves.

Ottavino declined his $6.75 million player option for 2024 on Monday, Joel Sherman of the New York Post reports.

EDGE Analysis

Previous reports had indicated that Ottavino was expected to exercise the option to remain with the Mets, but he's ultimately decided against the move. It's worth noting that $4 million of the $6.75 million salary he would have been due in 2024 would have been deferred, which could have weighed into his decision. Ottavino will now be on the lookout for a new deal after posting a 3.21 ERA and 62:29 K:BB over 61.2 innings in 2023.

Ottavino recorded his 12th save of the season in the first game of Saturday's doubleheader sweep of the Phillies, giving up two runs on two hits and a walk in the ninth inning of a 4-3 win. He struck out one.

EDGE Analysis

The veteran right-hander nearly blew the save, walking J.T. Realmuto to lead off the ninth and watching rookie Weston Wilson steal two bags after his one-out RBI single brought the Phillies to within a run, but Ottavino was able to retire Jake Cave and Cristian Pache to end the rally. The 12 saves are a new career high for the 37-year-old, and he's gone a perfect 5-for-5 on save chances in September while posting a 4.15 ERA and 15:5 K:BB through 8.2 innings.