The 'Ropolitans

The bullpen has had it's ups and downs all season. Without Billy Wagner they've seemed to struggle mightily to end games. Finally, thankfully, it looks like Wagner could return next week.

According to David Lennon in Newsday, Wagner threw 20 pitches at Shea Stadium yesterday as he attempts to come back from a sore left elbow that landed him on the DL.

I hope the Mets aren't rushing him back, but I think they've learned their lesson on how to deal with injuries this season. In Wagner's absence, the Mets have lost a few games they should have won due to the closer, but nothing that Wagner might not have done himself.

His absence allowed for players like Luis Ayala, Brian Stokes, and even Aaron Heilman to see time in tougher situations to see how they would hold up.

When Wagner comes back, I can see Ayala shifting into more of an eighth inning role, even though Jerry Manuel likes to keep things fluid in his bullpen.

Either way, getting Wagner back will be a big plus for the Mets in their drive for the playoffs and as long as he stays healthy and converts his chances, all will be right with the bullpen again.