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Joely Rodriguez is 'key to the game' in Mets trip

Last Tuesday's trade deadline came and went without the Mets addressing their biggest need: a left-handed reliever. 

But when the Mets needed quality and extended relief his out on Sunday, left-hander Joely Rodriguez contributed. 

Another day when the Mets bullpen was shorthanded, Rodriguez replaced Jacob deGrom and served 2 ¹/3 innings scoreless,at 5-2 at Citi Field.

"Jolie was as key to the game today as Jake was," said manager Buck Showalter. “Was it a stretch? 

When the game started, Showalter knew he had five relievers to use after his first four games in the series strained the bullpen. I was. All that was left was Rodriguez, closer Edwin Diaz and recently called Adonis Medina to carry the load after deGrom finished the game. 

Joely Rodriguez pitches on Sunday during the Mets' win over the Braves.
AP

DeGrom's spectacular long throw was 5²/ Occupying 3 innings, Rodriguez came out to defend a 3-run lead against the heart of the Braves lineup. 

After his Olson hit a ground ball to end his sixth inning, Rodriguez gave Austin Riley the leadoff in his seventh inning. gave up the single. However, he sat back and flew Ronald Acuna Jr. onto the caution track before beating out William Contreras and Robbie Grossman. 

Rodriguez then perfected his eighth inning and struck out two more of his batters, handing the game over to Diaz. 

Rodriguez's four strikeouts were all his changeups. 

"Honestly, today's changeup was the best I've thrown all year," Rodriguez said through an interpreter. "For me, it was the best." Rodriguez, whose ERA was down to 5.12 in the season, has gone scoreless in three straight games and has given the Mets a run from the bullpen. Giving hope that we can give you a reliable left-hander. 

"I'm focused on doing the best I can," Rodriguez said. “Everyone else is expected to do their job in the same way that I am expected to do my job. to continue to win the competition and maximize our capabilities.”