Jose Buttó continued to perform well in relief on Saturday, pitching 2 2/3 solid innings and earning the win as the New York Mets defeated the Colorado Rockies 7-3. This victory brought the Mets to four games over .500, matching their season high.
Francisco Lindor added to the lead with a three-run home run in the eighth inning, pushing the Mets to a 49-45 record, their best since starting 12-8 on April 20.
Buttó, who had a 3.08 ERA in his first seven starts of the season, was sent to Triple-A Syracuse on May 15 but returned on July 2 to bolster the struggling bullpen. Since then, he has excelled with a 3-0 record, including one save, and has not allowed a run in his first four relief appearances. Before his recent stint, he had only made 15 relief appearances as a professional.
“When we sent him down, he immediately said he was willing to do whatever was needed,” Mets manager Carlos Mendoza explained.
“Initially planned as a starter in Triple-A, he showed his desire to be back in the majors and contribute to the team. Now, he’s getting his chance and making a big impact.”
Buttó handled the Rockies effectively, getting crucial outs and navigating tough situations. He relieved Christian Scott in the fifth inning and induced a double play to escape a potential rally. Despite allowing a single and a walk in the eighth, he minimized the damage.
Reflecting on his role, Buttó emphasized readiness and team contribution: “The key lesson is always being prepared for any scenario and doing what it takes to help the team win games.”
Dedniel Núñez, another Mets pitcher making significant contributions, closed out the game with a perfect ninth inning to earn his first career save. His ERA stands at an impressive 2.35 in 21 appearances this season.
