


Brooks Raley continues to quietly emerge as one of the Mets’ biggest silver linings amid so much underachievement.
The left-handed reliever’s success will likely play an important factor in the Mets’ looming trade-deadline decisions.
Raley, 35, came in to record two critical outs in a key spot during the eighth inning of the Mets’ 2-1 extra-inning win over the Dodgers on Sunday at Citi Field.
It marked Raley’s 11th straight outing without allowing a run.
After Trevor Gott spoiled Max Scherzer’s gem and surrendered the game-tying run, Raley entered with runners on first and second and one out.
He promptly forced Freddie Freeman into a groundout and Max Muncy into a pop-out to end the inning and the threat.
“Raley had some big outs, against two tough hitters,” manager Buck Showalter said. “That was big.”
It lowered Raley’s season-long ERA to 2.18.
It’s the second-lowest mark in the Mets’ bullpen, behind David Robertson’s 2.06 ERA, and would be the lowest ERA of Raley’s career.
Robertson, who pitched a scoreless ninth and 10th inning on Sunday, and Raley were both offseason arrivals, and now find their deadline fates somewhat intertwined.
If the Mets and general manager Billy Eppler decide to sell at the Aug. 1 deadline, both Robertson and Raley would likely garner interest.
Both veterans, they’ve been two of the more effective high-leverage and heavy-usage relievers across MLB.
And being a lefty only makes Raley’s value increase.
But it’s unlikely the Mets would trade both Robertson and Raley, unless Eppler really waves the white flag in order to think long term.
On a one-year deal, Robertson would be a rental for any team acquiring him, while Raley has a $6.5 million team option for next year.
“It’s just part of the sport,” Raley told The Post. “You have ups and downs, you have to have the same approach in each game — throwing strikes, attacking the hitters, relying on your defense. It’s the same approach.”

If the Mets trade Robertson, who has largely served as the team’s closer this year, Raley would likely elevate into the role along with Adam Ottavino.
Raley, a career journeyman who enjoyed a renaissance last year with the Rays and spent multiple seasons in the minors, is “comfortable” anywhere he’s used in the bullpen.
He’s been thrust into more and more high-leverage situations as the season has progressed.
“I don’t worry about any of that,” Raley said. “When your name is called, be ready to play. Staying healthy and whatnot, taking care of my routine. … Just go out there and throw strikes and attack hitters. The game is the same 27 outs.”