The Mets maintained their .500 winning percentage yesterday winning the first game of the day and losing the night cap. The more important game was the afternoon game where Verlander tossed 3 1/3 innings allowing one run from three hits while striking out five. Starling Marte made his spring debut going 2-2 with a double and a homer. The Mets learned the hard way last year how important Marte is to the lineup. A healthy Marte on Opening Day would be a huge boost.
A new story line might also be developing – Canha got reps at first base yesterday. The Mets are fairly thin at first after Alonso, with Ruf penciled in as one of the main alternates. But Ruf has struggled in his first week playing games. Could the Mets be testing out some ideas if they decide to cut or trade Ruf? This is something to keep an eye on for the next two weeks.
Three Things To Watch For:
- Senga’s Second Start: In Senga’s first start he allowed one run from a hit and two walks over two innings while striking out two. Looking at his game performance – he was probably a mixture of anxious/amped/nervous to start as he walked the first two batters of the game. With that first start out of the way, we are looking forward to see a more stretched out, relaxed Senga today – hopefully dicing through the Nationals lineup with his ghost forkball.
- Let The Kids Play: Vientos, Mauricio and Baty will all be starting in the Mets infield tonight. Vientos will be starting at first. Right now his only path forward to break camp with the team is to usurp Ruf at DH. As stated earlier, this is something we want to keep an eye on for the next two weeks. Vientos and Mauricio also combined last night to 0-6 with three strikeouts and a walk – a rare off night this spring.
- Get On Base By Any Means: Locastro will be leading off for the Mets for a second straight night. He is the only player on the Mets, and possibly in baseball, that gets hit by the pitch more often than Mark Canha. Last night he got hit by a pitch while going 2-3 with a double. He’s having a tremendous spring slashing .391/.500/.609 over 28 plate appearances. Will he get hit by his 5th pitch this spring tonight?
Let’s Go Mets!
