Palsha Was Nearly Perfect For Mets

NEW YORK—Righthander Alex Palsha nearly was perfect at short-season Brooklyn last season.

A 27th-round pick in 2014 from Sacramento State, he limited New York-Penn League opponents to one run in 25 innings. He allowed 10 hits and nine walks while striking out 34 in 22 relief appearances.

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The run—and lone blown save in 14 chances—came in the ninth inning of the Cyclones’ game on Aug. 16, the final day of the first half. Palsha was set to travel to the league’s all-star game.

“It was definitely a bummer,” Palsha said. “It’s one of those things you definitely have in the back of your mind, thinking about.”

The 23-year-old throws a fastball that tops out at 95 mph. He also makes use of a curveball and a changeup.

He had Tommy John surgery as a high school senior in Danville, Calif., and redshirted his freshman year at Diablo Valley (Calif.) JC. He went on to pitch one season there, one season at the JC of San Mateo (Calif.) and one season at Sacramento State.

Palsha worked as a reliever at the last stop, setting up closer Sutter McLoughlin, who pitched for Williamsport in the New York-Penn League in 2015 after being selected by the Phillies in the 25th round in June.

“When I found out I was a reliever in college, I wasn’t really used to it,” Palsha said, “because I’ve always been a starter. And I’ve always wanted to be a starter.”

“As the season (progressed), I developed a routine and realized (relieving is) a really good fit for me as a pitcher. I feel like it’s been working out well (in) pro ball.”

Palsha’s 25-year-old brother Ryan pitched for four seasons in the Orioles system after being drafted in the 16th round in 2009.

“We played high school on the same team and travel ball on the same team,” Palsha said. “He was a role model, especially when he went pro. It just made me want to do what he was doing and just compete with the best out there.”

METAMORPHOSES

• The Double-A Binghamton franchise was sold to Evans Street Baseball. New owner John Hughes pledged to keep the Eastern League club in Binghamton for the long term.

• The Mets promoted Kevin Morgan to director of player development to replace Dick Scott, who joined the big league coaching staff as bench coach.