The Mets make another trip to Jupiter this afternoon, this time to take on the Marlins. The ESPN booth on Monday was discussing the playing field at Jupiter after Pete Alonso fielded a ball that took a bad hop. Since two teams are playing on the field, it’s a lot tougher for the field to be resilient. I’ve personally never considered this before and it could be something to look at throughout March to see if there is any truth to this.
Anyway the Mets are looking to bounce back from yesterday’s loss against the Astros. Most of the damage was damage was done against the Mets in the first inning, with Quintana getting tagged for five runs after allowing three doubles to start of the game. Not a great start for the Mets new starting pitcher. T.J. McFarland also had a rough inning towards the end of the game allowing three earned runs. He’s currently in a battle for a roster spot and his major league experience is giving him an edge. Hopefully he can shrug this off.
Enough about the negatives though – there was a lot to be positive about! Edwin Díaz had a great first outing the spring, striking out two batters while striking out one. Adam Ottavino worked himself into trouble, and then got out of it without allowing a run. Mauricio got on base again. Baty got a hit again. Francisco Lindor got two hits and stole a base. Hopefully these are the vibes the Mets try to keep going today.
Three Things To Watch For:
- Tylor Megill: Megill makes his spring debut today! In 15 games last year, including nine starts, he pitched 47 1/3 innings with a 5.13 ERA, 3.77 FIP, 1.246 WHIP and a 76 ERA+. Megill started the season strong last year, filling in for an injured deGrom at the start of the season throwing 10 1/3 scoreless innings over two starts but then hit some bumps in the road. He ended the season in the Mets bullpen pitching five innings over five games with a 3.60 ERA and 3.11 FIP. Most likely he will start the year in Syracuse unless the Mets need a starter due to injury at the beginning of the season.
- Jonathan Araúz: The Mets brought a handful of infielders to camp this year on non-roster invites including Araúz. Signed by the Phillies, he has been traded to the Astros, claimed by the Red Sox and played for the Orioles all before the age of 24. His time to play with the Mets this spring is quickly evaporating as he gets ready to go to Taiwan for Panama in the World Baseball Classic.
- Stephen Nogosek: Nogosek is out of options this year, which is giving him an inside track to breaking camp with the team. His first outing was great – no hits and no walks while recording a strikeout. Let’s see what his second game brings!
Let’s Go Mets!
