September 24, 2008 Luis Ayala lost his 10th game of the season on Wednesday night when the Mets fell to the Cubs 9-6 in 10 innings. The default closer threw two innings and gave up three runs on three hits.
Our View:And the bullpen woes continue for the Mets. Ayala threw a perfect ninth but did not have anything during the second inning of his appearance. It was the first time he threw more than an inning since August 13th when he did it with the Nationals - against the Mets.
September 15, 2008 Luis Ayala will remain the Mets closer, manager Jerry Manuel informs the New York Post. Ayala blew a save against the Braves on Sunday by allowing three runs without recording a single out. The reliever will be on a short leash moving forward.
Our View:The Mets don't exactly have other closer-worthy arms piling up in the bullpen, so Manuel is in a tough spot. Ayala will maintain a bit of fantasy value as long as he's in line to get saves.
September 14, 2008 Ayala picked up his sixth blown save and ninth loss of the season on Sunday, allowing three runs on three hits in the ninth inning and failing to record an out.
Our View:Simply horrendous. Ayala hadn't allowed a run in his previous six appearances, so the Mets may not pull the plug on his save chances just yet.
September 1, 2008 Luis Ayala pitched a clean inning on Monday to pick up his fourth save of the season for the Mets.
Our View:Ayala hasn't walked a batter in eight innings with the Mets, but he also has only four strikeouts. Still, he has been as effective as any other option the Mets have in the pen right now so he will continue to pick up the save chances until Billy Wagner returns.
August 27, 2008 Luis Ayala pitched a perfect ninth inning Wednesday. He collected his second save as the Mets beat the Phillies 6-3.
Our View:Ayala is now 2-for-3 in save opportunities for the Mets. Look for him to continue to see save opportunities with Billy Wagner missing more time.
