Mets Season in Review: Robert Gsellman

Robert Gsellman impressed in his short stretch during Wild Card chase for the Mets.

Sep 25, 2016; New York City, NY, USA; New York Mets starting pitcher Robert Gsellman (65) heads to the dugout during the seventh inning against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports

When everything was starting to break down in the New York Mets’ rotation, they needed the “next man up.” Robert Gsellman more than just filled a spot. He was a very effective pitcher since coming on in late August. A former 13th-round pick from California, Gsellman went 4-2 with a 2.42 ERA in 2016.

From the first outing, it was evident there was something projectable. Gsellman came on in the bottom of the first with the Mets already having blown a 3-0 lead against St. Louis. Gsellman held the Cardinals scoreless for the next 3.2 innings and the Mets wound up winning that game. The Mets went on to win 12 of their next 16 and you know the rest of the story.

Gsellman was one of those sparks from unexpected places. He had spent the first two months of the season in AA Binghamton. After maintaining an ERA under 3.00 in 11 starts, Gsellman was promoted to AAA Las Vegas where he struggled early. Following a few rough starts in the hitter friendly Pacific Coast League, Gsellman adjusted accordingly. He allowed 15 earned runs in his first three AAA outings, but cut that number to six over his next three starts.

Let’s look more at Robert’s role and what the future could look like for the 23-year old.

Gsellman’s areas of improvement for 2017

Sep 14, 2016; Washington, DC, USA; New York Mets starting pitcher Robert Gsellman (65) throws to the Washington Nationals during the second inning at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports

As Gsellman gains experience, he’ll work on the areas he needs to improve upon. That includes gaining more consistency with his off-speed pitches. Against 3-4-5 hitters in the lineup, Gsellman struggled a little more allowing a .301 batting average in 2016.

While numbers suggest Gsellman was solid at in-game adjustments, something to work on is the .278 clip opponents hit off Gsellman in first plate appearances. Second time through, Gsellman knocked that average down to .203.

Every number suggests that Gsellman is at his peak when he has a few pitches under his belt and he sees opponents’ tendencies in game. Further to that point, five of his eight extra base hits allowed as a Met were within the first 25 pitches of an outing. Even with all that said though, Gsellman allowed only three earned runs in the first three innings of games since his call-up.

Overall, Gsellman’s ability to keep the ball on the ground can certainly translate. In his short time in the Majors, he’s already shown poise in different situations. In two outings against the NL East champion Washington Nationals, Gsellman allowed just one run in 11.2 innings.

Gsellman role in 2017

Aug 28, 2016; New York City, NY, USA; New York Mets starting pitcher Robert Gsellman (65) is congratulated after being taken out of the game against the Philadelphia Phillies during the seventh inning at Citi Field. The Phillies won 5-1. Mandatory Credit: Andy Marlin-USA TODAY Sports

With all things being equal, there isn’t a current place for Gsellman in the rotation. However, if the Mets do follow up on their plan to keep Zack Wheeler in the bullpen, that could open up a short-term spot for Gsellman. Plus, with the uncertainty surrounding how guys like Matz and Harvey will come back, Gsellman has put himself in a position as being a first call in any worst-case scenario.

Gsellman has shown in his short time that he brings good control, improved velocity, and an ability to keep the ball on the ground. He induced more ground balls than fly balls in all but one start during his final month plus with the Mets. Gsellman did have surgery on his non-throwing shoulder, but he should be ready for spring training.

At best, Gsellman may be a fifth starter when the 2017 season opens, obviously behind Syndergaard, deGrom, Harvey, and Matz. That’s only if the plan remains to ease Wheeler back into the rotation. Once that happens, it’ll be back to the minors for Gsellman for the time being.

More Rising Apple thoughts on Robert Gsellman

Sep 30, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; New York Mets starting pitcher Robert Gsellman (65) pitches against the Philadelphia Phillies during the first inning at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

JT. Teran, Editor

Robert Gsellman was a godsend this season. His poise and performance at the highest level are seriously worthy of praise. It’s hard enough to come into a tough situation as a starting pitcher. But to be able to pitch as well as he did with the pressures of a Wild Card, and in New York on top of everything? All I can say is I’m sure we’ll be seeing a lot more of Gsellman in the near future. I’m just hoping he’s on our side, and isn’t just used as a trade chip now that his value has gone up.