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The New York Mets are still in the process of putting their bullpen together for this season, but according to Anthony DiComo of MLB. com , pitcher Huascar Brazoban’s impressive performance in the WBC has earned him a spot spot in the bullpen. Brazoban pitched four dominant innings in the Dominican Republic’s run to the semifinals, and he retired 12 of the 13 hitters he faced, striking out seven, including three against Team USA in Team Dominican’s thrilling but frustrating 2-1 loss last night.

Mets manager Carlos Mendoza said that what Brazoban did in the WBC didn’t influence the team’s opinion of him, but yesterday Mendoza walked back that statement and acknowledged that the pitcher has basically made New York’s Opening Day roster as long as he stays healthy. “If everything continues to trend in that direction,” Mendoza said, “he’s going to be a part of our bullpen. ” According to DiComo, the only reason Brazoban’s inclusion was in doubt was because he still has a minor league option left, which gave the Mets some flexibility if they wanted to carry non-roster pitchers or relievers who were out of options.

Now, however, Brazoban has allowed just one hit and two walks during the WBC and in his spring training performance. “Not surprising,” Mendoza said. “He’s coming back in a pretty good spot as far as the buildup and us being comfortable using him one-plus [innings] when we need to.

“We know the stuff is real. It’s high 90s with sink, it’s a plus changeup. I think it just comes down to him consistently filling the strike zone.