Recapping Yesterday:
The Mets dropped to a meaningless .500 record after losing 9-5 to the Nationals on the road. The result in spring doesn’t matter, but individual performances (sort-of?) matter and it was the first time the Mets had multiple players record at least two hits in a game. Francisco Lindor got 2 hits, which were also his first two hits as a Met. Mark Vientos, a top prospect, smoked two doubles. And fan favorite Luis Guillorme, who should see more playing time this year, recorded two hits raising his batting average to .455 this spring. A good chunk of the Mets runs came from a pinch-hit 3 run bomb by Jake Hager (the second player in as many days to hit a 3-run homer).
On the, “oh boy, we need to work that out side” was the defense. The Mets recorded three errors on the day and is reflected in Yamamoto allowing 2 runs over 3.0 innings, but none earned. Matt Allan made his Mets debut and allowed 4 hits and 3 runs, but only one of the runs was earned. Sloppy day for fielding.
What To Look For Today:
Taijuan Walker makes his Mets debut today! The Mets newest pitcher worked in 11 games last year totaling 53.1 innings with a 2.70 ERA, 1.163 WHIP, 4.56 FIP and 161 ERA+. Walker rounds out a good off-season for the Mets forcing an open competition for the last rotation spot that includes David Peterson. Walker will be followed by Edwin Diaz who had a super easy outing a few days ago where he threw only 7 pitches. Other key bullpen arms are on deck in Trevor May, Jeurys Famila, Miguel Castro and Drew Smith. Two of the more interesting pitchers in camp, Sam McWilliams and Ryley Gilliam will make their 2nd and 3rd appearance respectively and one of the more intriguing NRI’s, Tommy Hunter is slated to go to. Unsure if everyone will get in the game today but there’s a lot to look for as far as pitching is concerned.
McCann behind the plate has been fascinating to watch this spring as he builds relationships with the starting pitchers. We’ll also get our first look at Drury over at third base. If you were tuning in to watch the Mets starting outfield today you’ll be disappointed in Pillar flanked by Almora Jr. and Fargas.
