Ryan Helsley picked up three strikeouts in his Mets debut, proving the firepower the front office added at the deadline, even in a 4-3 loss on Friday.

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.

A surreal scene unfolded in the visiting clubhouse Wednesday at Petco Park, moments after the Mets’ 5-0 loss to the Padres. As players milled around the clubhouse showering and dressing, some made their way over to reliever José Buttó,