Yesterday’s battle of the aces was anything but and ended with the Mets getting routed as they try to avoid the sweep. The Mets got an average start from Jacob deGrom allowing 3 runs over 6 innings, with two runs coming after a controversial strike 3 non-call. The Mets offense should have been able to overcome that for a few reasons, but they didn’t. First, they just owe it to deGrom. Second, Kershaw only last a few innings since this was really a rehab start for him. Third, they went 2-12 with runners in scoring position, leaving 8 men on base. Gsellman will become the scapegoat of this game (first for allowing 5 runs over 2.0 innings, second because the Mets will probably need him today and he shouldn’t be available, which isn’t his fault at all) but ultimately the offense needs to get it done. Nimmo got 3 hits on the night, which is nice!
Complicating the finale for the Mets today is the pitching situation. Jason Vargas was a late scratch from today’s start landing himself on the DL from conditioning injury. The Mets called up Flexen who was supposed to start for Vegas today and instead flew all night to get to New York. The situation is reminiscent of Tyler Pill in 2017 who got a last minute start for Harvey, traveled all night and did terrible. As of writing this, it is not clear if Flexen or Peterson will start the game but today looks like a bullpen game. Flexen has allowed 7 runs, 3 earned over 2.1 innings this year and last year allowed 44 runs, 42 earned in 48.0 innings (a 7.88 ERA) also posting a 6.95 FIP, 2.021 WHIP and 53 ERA+. Tim Peterson, who should get significant work today, has allowed 1 run over 7.2 innings and 5 games which leads to an ERA of 1.17, 3.23 FIP and 0.913 WHIP.
The Dodgers starting pitcher situation today is normal. I’m envious. Rich Hill his 1-2 over 7 starts and 30.2 innings with a 4.99 ERA, 5.51 FIP, 1.565 WHIP, 77 ERA+. His last start on the 19th was first start in exactly a month and he pitched well holding the Cubs scoreless over 6.0 innings off 3 hits and 2 walks. In LA against the Mets last year he held the Amazin’s to 1 run over 5.0 innings from 4 hits and 3 walks while in Queens he held the Mets to 3 runs over 5.0 innings from 6 hits and 1 walk. The Mets have the following numbers against Hill:
- Bautista 4-24, 2 2B, 3 BB
- Reyes 3-8
- Flores 2-6, 2B, HR
- Cabrera 0-4
- Confortion 1-3, HR
- Frazier 0-2
- Rosario 0-2
Let’s Go Mets!
