Mets acquire Fernando Salas from Angels before waiver deadline

The Mets made a move before the September 1 waiver deadline, acquiring right-handed pitcher Fernando Salas from the Angels in exchange for 20-year-old minor leaguer Erik Manoah. With injuries sidelining relievers Huston Street and Cam Bedrosian, Salas had been serving as Mike Scioscia’s closer of late, converting four saves since August 16. To open a 40-man roster spot for Salas, outfielder Justin Ruggiano was transferred to the 60-day disabled list with a left shoulder injury.

The Mets will hope this trade works as well as their 2015 acquisition of Addison Reed, who, like Salas, was a former closer dealt to New York at the end of August. A 31-year-old veteran who has pitched for the Cardinals and Angels, Salas has produced a gaudy 4.47 ERA in relief this season. He’s had a respectable second half, however, with a 2.60 ERA and 9.3 strikeouts per nine innings in 20 appearances after July 4. Reed will presumably continue to set up closer Jeurys Familia down the stretch, with Salas filling a middle relief role alongside Hansel Robles and Jim Henderson.

A 13th-round pick in the 2014 draft, Manoah has a 5.37 ERA through 13 appearances with the Brooklyn Cyclones this season. Our scouting report of Manoah from his draft day in 2014 can be found here.