Mets send OF den Dekker to Nats for LHP Blevins

Mar 30, 2015 - 8:05 PM Port St. Lucie, FL (SportsNetwork.com) - The New York Mets acquired left- handed reliever Jerry Blevins from Washington in exchange for outfielder Matt den Dekker on Monday.

After Josh Edgin underwent Tommy John surgery near the start of spring training, the Mets were in need of left-handed pitching out of their bullpen. Earlier on Monday, they acquired lefty Alex Torres from San Diego for pitching prospect Cory Mazzoni.

Blevins, 31, was beginning his second season with Washington. In 2014, he owned a 4.87 ERA and 66 strikeouts in 57 1/3 innings and limited opposing lefties to a .160 average.

In eight seasons with Washington and Oakland, Blevins has made 345 appearances totaling 324 1/3 innings. He has 305 strikeouts and a 3.58 ERA and has held left-handed batters to a .212 average.

Den Dekker was competing for a spot on the Mets' bench but was expected to be beat out by veteran outfielders Kirk Nieuwenhuis and John Mayberry Jr. The 27- year-old has played all three outfield spots in 80 career games with the Mets and owns a .238 batting average and .325 on-base percentage.