Jason Isringhausen Is Alive, And Pitching?

With just a few weeks left before the Mets are mathematically eliminated from the playoffs, they turned to a familiar arm to pump some life (Ensure?) into their bullpen. Jason Isringhausen was called upon to help the group of struggling relievers who have the fourth worst ERA in baseball to go with the matching fourth worst WAR. So Terry Collins was obviously pretty excited about his new weapon...

"I'd like to get him in the fire," Collins said.

He did just that. Isringhausen entered with two runners on in the seventh and retired both batters he faced, getting pinch-hitter Todd Helton on a soft fly to center to end the inning.

After keeping the score tied at 4, Isringhausen pumped his fist as he walked off the mound. He flashed a smile and was greeted warmly by teammates in the dugout.

The 38-year-old pitcher brings his 84-year-old right arm, featuring three Tommy Johns, to a pen featuring household names Pedro Beato, Tim Byrdak and Ryota Igarashi. This could be a good opportunity for Isringhausen since the Mets need somebody to keep K-Rod from finishing enough games to vest his option. Unfortunately, I'm guessing Izzy only has about 4.2 innings left in that arm before another injury.