Mets fans got the news last night we didn’t want to hear – a Jacob deGrom scratch. He was experienced right shoulder tightness, announced fairly late last night, and is not expected to make his scheduled start. As you can imagine, the bulk of us handled this news well, without reading too much into and without freaking out.
The Mets also lost their game to the Nationals last night 7-3. But, it’s still spring training and the result isn’t the most important part of the game. Taijuan Walker tossed 3.2 scoreless innings, scattering 3 hits and striking out 2. Trevor May had a clean inning of work with two strikeouts. Edwin Diaz allowed a run over an inning of work and Seth Lugo had a clean inning followed by an inning where he allowed two runs. Overall, a bit of a mixed bag.
What We are Watching For:
In place of deGrom this afternoon, we’ll see Felix Pena. Felix made his major league debut back in 2016 as a member of the Chicago Cubs and has pitched six seasons across the Cubs and Angels. 2020 was the last season where he saw significant time in the majors. He pitched in 25 games and 26.2 innings with a 4.05 ERA, 3.00 FIP, 1.313 WHIP and a 113 ERA+. In one game for the Mets this Spring he has allowed 1 hit and walked 2 batters in 2.0 scoreless innings of work.
We are also hoping that Pete Alonso builds off his last game. The last time Pete played he hit a three run homer, the only runs the Mets got in their 5-3 loss. Overall this Spring he is hitting .217/.357/.435 over 28 PA’s.
Let’s Go Mets!