DENVER Adam Ottavino has watched the Mets bullpen turn over this season, largely because of injuries but also with veteran pitchers released because of poor performance. And at times Ottavino wondered if he might be next. It occurred to me that it could happen, but at the same time you cant control it, Ottavino said Wednesday before the . I didnt really try to worry about it. As far as I am concerned, the way I self-evaluate, I am still throwing the ball the way I want to for the most part, so I just have to try to live with the results. As the Mets near the return of relievers Reed Garrett and Sean Reid-Foley, roster spots will be needed. Adam Ottavino has pitched better since a brutal May. Getty Images Ottavino was blunt when asked if he thought he might get squeezed out by the Mets. I think it would be foolish to let me go, he said. Explore More The right-hander is unscored upon in six straight appearances and eight out of nine. Overall this season he had pitched to a 4.35 ERA in 43 appearances. Most of his struggles occurred in May, when the Mets bullpen as a whole was imploding. Adam Ottavinos Mets role has changed this year. Corey Sipkin for the NY POST Ottavino in May pitched to a 9.28 ERA, but has been below 4.00 in each of the ensuing months. Along the way, Ottavinos role has shifted. Seldom used in high-leverage spots, the 38-year-old has taken a backseat in the bullpen to pitchers such as Jose Butto, Phil Maton and . Ottavino has dealt with it. I knew at some point it would happen, Ottavino said. Its not easy to hold on to that job forever. Youre going to struggle at some point. It was Jaxson Hayes Jersey my turn to struggle there for a little bit and I am just looking to contribute where I can. Reed Garrett is one of those expected to soon return for the Mets. Getty Images What is Ottavino happiest about with his recent body of work? Just my mentality, Ottavino said. Just continuing to be a pro and not worry about the wrong things and not be a problem for the team and being an ally for everybody out there and individually Im just sticking with it. Delivering insights on all things Amazins Sign up for Inside the Mets by Mike Puma, exclusively on Sports+ Thank you By clicking above you agree to the and . Enjoy this Post Sports+ exclusive newsletter! Ottavinos shift included usage in a multi-inning capacity and matchup roles at various points. He has managed to survive whereas veterans such as Jorge Lopez, Adrian Houser and Jake Diekman were . Several metrics have worked in Ottavinos favor, including an average exit velocity against him of 86.4 mph that ranks in MLBs 93rd percentile, according to Statcast. Also, Ottavinos strikeout rate of 30.3 percent ranks in the 91st percentile. Adam Ottavino has a high strikeout rate this year. JASON SZENES FOR THE NEW YORK POST Especially after some of the struggles he faced early in the year, hes been great, manager Carlos Mendoza said. We saw 95 [mph] from him the other day in Anaheim, so he has been throwing the ball well. Hes attacking hitters and hes been using all his pitches, so that is good to see. Edwin Diaz is the only reliever on the roster other than Ottavino who began the season with the Mets. Its been a bullpen ravaged by injuries in addition to the disappointing performances that led to others departing. Ottavino is encouraged by the deals orchestrated by the front office before the trade deadline to import relievers such as Ryne Stanek, Maton and Brazoban. The guys they brought in are all pitching well, Ottavino said. Stanek and Phil both have pretty good track records. They added a lot and I think Brazoban is maybe the diamond in the rough that was a big pick up for us that was maybe under the radar, but I think not only this year but for future years that could be a really good get for us. Steven Adams Jersey