Mets acquire Eric O’Flaherty from Athletics

New York sits atop the National League East standings as of Tuesday night (thanks largely to a recent sweep of the Washington Nationals), and this move was clearly made with an eye toward a pennant chase.

The Mets have acquired left-handed pitcher Eric O’Flaherty from the Oakland Athletics for cash and a player to be named later.

With Fernando Abad serving as Oakland’s designated lefty-on-lefty pitcher, the A’s tried to make use of O’Flaherty to pitch to each right-handers and left-handers.

O’Flaherty, 30, had a notable amount of success in 2014, his first year returning from Tommy John surgery.

In 21.1 innings for the A’s this year, O’Flaherty struggled, with a 5.91 ERA and 4.12 FIP.

O’Flaherty on the season has an ERA of nearly 6, but he was facing both righties and lefties.

Due to the prolonged absence of Jerry Blevins the Mets have been without a left-handed specialist for just about the entire season. O’Flaherty joins Tyler Clippard, who was sent from Oakland to New York before the July 31 non-waiver trade deadline, in the Mets’ bullpen.

Torres, 27, did not have a decision while posting a 3.15 ERA with one save in 39 games with the Mets this season. Left-handed hitters have also had a notable amount of success against Torres (.268 average), who was acquired by the Mets last spring. 268 against him, which isn’t what the Mets are looking for out of a lefty specialist.