Mets Bullpen Collapses in 8-2 Spring Training Loss to Astros

Freddy Peralta's solid start was undone by a disastrous 6th inning from the Mets' relief pitchers.

Mar. 15, 2026 at 1:18am

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The New York Mets fell 8-2 to the Houston Astros in a spring training matchup, as the Mets' bullpen allowed 7 runs over the final 4 innings to erase a strong start by pitcher Freddy Peralta.

Why it matters

The Mets' bullpen struggles are a concern heading into the regular season, as the team looks to build on a promising 2025 campaign. The performance of the relief corps will be a key factor in determining the Mets' success this year.

The details

Peralta pitched 4 solid innings, striking out 5 and allowing just 1 run. But the Mets' bullpen collapsed in the 6th inning, with Saul Garcia walking 2 batters and then allowing a 3-run homer to Yordan Alvarez that broke the game open. The Mets' offense had chances to rally but went just 2-for-11 with runners on base.

  • Peralta departed the game in the 4th inning with the Mets trailing 1-0.
  • Saul Garcia entered in the 6th inning and immediately ran into trouble, walking 2 batters and then allowing Alvarez's 3-run homer.
  • The Mets had their best chance to come back in the 6th inning, loading the bases with 1 out, but failed to score any runs.

The players

Freddy Peralta

The Mets' starting pitcher, who had a solid 4-inning outing, striking out 5 and allowing just 1 run.

Yordan Alvarez

The Astros' slugger, who hit a 3-run homer in the 6th inning to break the game open.

Saul Garcia

The Mets' relief pitcher who walked 2 batters and then allowed Alvarez's 3-run homer in the 6th inning.

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What they’re saying

“The bullpen struggles are definitely a concern heading into the season. We need to shore that up if we want to take the next step.”

— Buck Showalter, Mets Manager (New York Post)

What’s next

The Mets will look to bounce back on Sunday as they continue their spring training schedule. The performance of the bullpen will be a key focus as the team finalizes its roster for the regular season.

The takeaway

The Mets' bullpen collapse overshadowed a strong start by Freddy Peralta, highlighting the need for the relief corps to improve if the team wants to build on its promising 2025 campaign. The final weeks of spring training will be crucial as the Mets look to solidify their bullpen ahead of Opening Day.