Photo by: Franciney Horodyski

Manny Acosta: The Relief the New York Mets Need
Written by: Tim Horodyski

The Panama born Acosta was originally signed by the New York Yankees as a non-drafted free agent on January 6, 1998 at age 26. He was in the Yankees Minor League system for five and a half seasons before being released on July 24, 2003.

The 30 year old right hander might not be a dominate relief pitcher; however he seems to have found a home in Flushing.  After being called up from the Minor Leagues by the Mets on June 2, 2011 he stayed with the team for the rest of the season.  He threw 47 innings in 44 games.  Acosta pitched to a 3.45 era (earn run average), and striking out 46 and walking 15.   The right hander become an anchor of the Mets bullpen holding batter to a .179 (5-28) batting average with runners in scoring positions and two outs.  This is the kind of pitching the Mets need if they hope to contend for a playoff spot in 2012.

Before being claimed off of waivers by the Mets in 2010 Acosta was in the Atlanta Braves farm system.   He spent time between the Major League club and the Minor Leagues.  He made his Major League debut August 12, 2007 against the Philadelphia Philles in which he retired the side in just seven pitches. Acosta also picked up his first Major League win in the same year against the Milwaukee Brewers.  He spent the new two seasons between the Majors and the Minor league never really finding a home.  The Braves placed him on waivers during the 2010.  The Mets claimed him on March 30^th.  Acosta has found a home with the Mets and has solidified his spot in the Mets bullpen.