Edwin Diaz has some competition for the most electric bullpen entrance at Citi Field.
Newly acquired Mets flamethrower Ryan Helsley made his debut in Queens during Friday’s 4-3 loss to the Giants, and the team is adopting his infamous entrance, a staple at Busch Stadium during the reliever’s tenure with the Cardinals.
AC/DC’s “Hells Bells” boomed through the speakers at Citi Field, and the stadium lights flashed on and off as Helsley trotted in from the bullpen in right field.
The Mets traded for Helsley on Wednesday in exchange for infield prospect Jesus Baez and right-handed pitching prospects Nate Dohm and Frank Elissalt, a move that took place shortly after the team acquired standout reliever Tyler Rogers in a trade with the Giants.
Helsley, a two-time All-Star, justified the grandiose entrance with an impressive outing, using his 101 mph fastball to twirl a scoreless ninth inning with three strikeouts.
Diaz followed suit by entering to his beloved Timmy Trumpet “Narco” introduction for the tenth, although he went on to surrender the go-ahead run to San Francisco.
Before the trade, Helsley had spent his entire seven-year MLB career with the Cardinals, who selected him in the fifth round of the 2015 draft.
Helsley, 31, posted a 3.00 ERA in 36 appearances as St. Louis’ closer this season, making 21 saves.
Last season, the Tahlequah, Okla. native led the majors with 49 saves.
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