After two straight days of winning by huge margins, the Mets took a step back to reality yesterday with a 6-3 loss to the Astros. There are still bright spots to celebrate though! Nimmo had a 3 hit game and Mesoraco had a 2 hit game (he’s been struggling to get it going this spring). Vargas pitched 4.0 shutout innings allowing only 3 hits, no walks while striking out 3 dropping his Spring ERA to a 1.08. Lugo also put a scoreless inning. Yesterday was also the first time all spring that Avilan struggled, allowing 2 runs off 4 hits in an inning of work.
Outside of the game, the Mets optioned Walker Lockett and Corey Oswalt, who were both long shots to make the team, to minor league camp. Oswalt had a particularly positive spring and moved up the starting depth chart. The team also announced that Drew Smith would need Tommy John, which gives another possible spot for players trying to break into the pen.
Mets Lineup:
- Jeff McNeil (DH)
- Juan Lagares (CF)
- Dominic Smith (1B)
- Wilson Ramos (C)
- JD Davis (3B)
- Rajai Davis (LF)
- Gregor Blanco (RF)
- Adeiny Hechavarria (SS)
- Danny Espinosa (2B)
Starting Pitcher: Jacob deGrom
What To Watch For:
- This will be the second start for Jacob deGrom with Ramos catching. So far deGrom has pitched 7.0 innings over 3 games allowing 3 runs from 5 hits and 2 walks. He has struck out 9 in this stretch. How long deGrom goes today will give us an idea how long all of the starters will go their next time through the lineup.
- If the Mets go with McNeil in the infield, than barring something unseen (like a trade), Lagares will be the Opening Day Centerfielder. In 9 games and 29 PAs this spring he has hit .214/.241/.286.
- Broxton has the 5th starting spot but he is still facing competition from Blanco and Rajai Davis. Blanco is hitting .160/.250/.240 over 28 PAs. Davis is hitting .278/.364/.611 in 22 PAs this spring.
- JD Davis is having a good spring and is fighting to get on the 25 man, possibly the OD thirdbase based on Fraizer/Lowrie and if McNeil goes back to the outfield (contigent on Davis blowing up and starts demolishing the ball). In 39 PAs he’s hitting .306/.359/.444.
- Luis Avilan has essentially pitched himself on to this team. Yesterday was his first blip in a spotless couple of weeks of pitching. Wilson and Zamora are still battling and have roster spots which Avilan does not. Justin Wilson signed a major league deal and has allowed 5 runs over 4.0 innings. Zamora has allowed 4 runs over 4.0 innings from 7 hits and 3 walks.
Let’s Go Mets!
