The Mets offense looks to keep rolling for one more game against the Royals as the Mets seek to clinch a series win. Yesterday the Mets were able to score seven runs, fueled by Pete Alonso’s two homers and three-hit day, but everything else fell apart and the Mets lost 11-7.
This afternoon is also Doc Gooden’s retirement ceremony as the Mets continue a recent tradition over the last couple of seasons of finally recognizing the great players who have made their mark on the organizations history. It would be a wonderful tribute if today’s starting pitcher, Jose Buttó can turn out a classic Dr. K-esque performance.
Jose Buttó has rejoined the Mets organization. Buttó barely lost the rotation spot at the start of the season to Tylor Megill as both players had dominant springs. Because of roster rules, Buttó could not be recalled until earlier this week. He was able to make a spot start for the Mets during the first week of the season due to the Mets doubleheader against the Tigers as the 27th roster spot. During that start he allowed one run from three hits and three walks while striking out six batters in six innings of work. The only member of the Royals who has seen Buttó in a major league game is Garrett Hampson (1-for-2).
The Mets bats will have their work cut out for them this afternoon as they face off against Cole Ragans. Over three starts this season Ragan has allowed five runs from 16 hits over 17 1/3 innings (2.60 ERA, 2.61 FIP, 1.269 WHIP, 162 ERA+). He looked a lot more human in his last start against the Astros allowing three runs on ten hits over five innings. Ragans had an excellent start against the Mets last year where he held the Mets scoreless over six innings, scattering seven hits while striking out eight. The Mets have the following career numbers against him:
- Pete Alonso 0-3
- Francisco Alvarez 0-2, BB, K
- Brett Baty 0-3, 2 K
- Francisco Lindor 0-3, K
- Jeff McNeil 3-3
- Zack Short 0-1, 2 BB, K
Three Things To Watch For:
- Pete Alonso’s 200th Homerun: While it’s unlikely to happen today, we are in striking distance for Pete’s 200th homer. He had two homers in Saturday’s game, bringing him to 198 for his career. Alonso has played 698 career games. Ryan Howard reached this mar in 658 games and Aaron Judge took 671 games. Pete Alonso is trying to beat out the legendary Ralph Kiner (706 games).
- Fundamentals and Luck. The game fell apart for the Mets in the fourth inning on Saturday when Starling Marte dropped a fly ball and then later Brandon Nimmo knocked a ball over the fence while trying to make an amazing play. Francisco Lindor also got played out on the basepaths. It’s baseball and random things will happen from time to time. On Saturday those events defined the game. Hopefully the Mets play with tighter fundamentals today the baseball gods don’t create any additional bizarre moments.
- Edwin Díaz: It has been a while since we have seen the most electric closer in baseball. For the first week or so of the season the Mets had to use Díaz every other day because the bullpen was stretched so thin. As the Mets haven’t played a close game in a while, he’s gotten an extended rest. We’ll probably see him used in some capacity today.
Let’s Go Mets!
