The Mets are acquiring hard-throwing closer Ryan Helsley from the St. Louis Cardinals on Wednesday, a day before the July 31 Major League Baseball deadline, the team announced Wednesday. The Cardinals get back three minor leaguers: shortstop Jesus Baez and right-handed pitchers Nate Dohm and Frank Elissalt.

The Los Angeles Dodgers may hold a modest four-game lead in the NL West and boast one of the best offenses in baseball, yet their bullpen continues to be a defining factor in their inability to pull away from the pack.

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.