The New York Mets acquired hard-throwing reliever Ambiorix Burgos from the Kansas City Royals for starter Brian Bannister on Wednesday. The 22-year-old Burgos saved 18 games for the Royals this year, going 4-5 with a 5.52 ERA in 67 relief appearances and one start. The right-hander bolsters a Mets bullpen that recently lost Chad Bradford and Roberto Hernandez, free agents who signed elsewhere.
Burgos has impressive stuff, but he’s been erratic. He struck out 72 batters and walked 37 in 73 1-3 innings last season, his second in the big leagues. His fastball reaches 95-100 mph.