FLUSHING, NY — New York Mets’ reliever Adam Ottavino feels that the Mets aren’t the New York Yankees’ little brother anymore. Ottavino spoke with Latino Sports about the differences between playing for both New York teams this week as the Mets continue their series vs, the Baltimore Orioles in Queens.
“It’s really not that different honestly. There is great fans and passion on both sides. There used to be a big brother little brother thing, but that’s changing a little bit. And I think the Mets are catching up,” Ottavino told Latino Sports.
The Mets swept the Yankees 4-0 in the Subway Series this season, but have eight less wins with 65, compared to the Yankees 73 wins.
The 38-year old Ottavino was a Yankee from 2019-2020 and is still close with several members of the Yankees such as DJ LeMahieu, Gerrit Cole, Aaron Judge, and Tommy Kahnle. The right-handed reliever is well traveled also playing for the St. Louis Cardinals, Colorado Rockies, and Boston Red Sox over his 14-year career.
Mets’ RHP Adam Ottavino pitching in Subway Series against Yankees – Image Credit: Bill Menzel/Latino Sports
Ottavino finds himself in another pennant race with the Mets and pitched in the 2022 Postseason for them. He also threw postseason innings for the Rockies, Yankees, and Red Sox.
“We’re trying to win every game, get a little mojo going, and find a way where we want to be,” Ottavino said. “If I get the opportunity to pitch in a big game I won’t be scared and I’ll be ready to go.”
Ottavino needed just eight pitches to throw a scoreless inning against the Orioles on August 20. The last out of the inning was a pop out from Orioles’ infielder Jackson Holliday, who Ottavino knew as a kid during his time with the Rockies from 2012-2018.
“I am looking forward to facing Jackson Holliday because I played with his father Matt and it would be fun to go against him,” Ottavino said.
Adam Ottavino owns a 4.57 ERA this season and 3.49 ERA for his career – Image Credit: Simon Lindenblatt/Latino Sports
This season, Ottavino has thrown 45.1 innings, 57 strikeouts, and an ERA of 4.57. He signed with the Mets before the 2022 season. He reflected positively on his performance earlier in the season and is proud of the fight the Mets have shown after a bad start.
He is still searching for that signature moment in his career and said his best season was in 2018 with the Rockies. He pitched 77 innings and had a career high 112 strikeouts and his lowest ERA of 1.90. Ottavino always relies on his slider and throws it 40 percent of the time. He also throws a fastball that tops out around 95 mph, a sinker, cutter, and a changeup.
Ottavino shouted out Mets’ Latino relievers José Buttó (Cumana, Venezuela) and Dedniel Núñez (Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic) as two guys that have really stepped up in the Mets’ bullpen.
Buttó, 26, has provided stability in his third MLB season, since being taken out of the starting rotation a few months ago. Buttó’s numbers in the bullpen this season are 25.2 innings, 38 strikeouts, an ERA of 1.40, and two saves.
José Buttó owns a 5-3 records this season with 38 strikeouts – Image Credit: Simon Lindenblatt/Latino Sports
The rookie right-handed Núñez, 28, is currently on the IL with a right pronator strain. He just began a rehab assignment with the Mets Triple-A affiliate, the Syracuse Mets on August 20. Núñez has impressed with an ERA of 2.43 and 45 strikeouts in 33.1 innings.
This could be the last ride for Ottavino and he’s definitely hoping to help the Mets make the playoffs and end his season on a high note.
Ottavino has also been featured on SNYTV and could very well have a full-time broadcasting career if he is done playing in MLB at the end of the season.
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