Isringhausen began his career as a starter for the Mets near the end of the season, posting a 9–2 record in 14 starts. But a steady progression of serious injuries, including tuberculosis, a broken wrist (sustained while punching a dugout trash can) and three major operations on his pitching arm, derailed his progression into the major-league rotation. (He also was caught clandestinely playing softball for a strip club while rehabilitating.) Consequently, he was forced to miss most of the 1997 season, as well as the entire 1998 season. When he was finally healthy in 1999, he was moved to the bullpen after only five starts. After inconsistent play with the Mets, he was traded to the Oakland Athletics at the trading deadline for reliever Billy Taylor. Mets manager Bobby Valentine was reluctant to use Isringhausen in relief, saying that it would be akin to " an Indy car as a taxi."