3 UP

1. We Want McNeil

Entering the series against the Braves, Jeff McNeil was sputtering a bit hitting .235. After this series is over, it’s fair to say those issues are behind him.

In the series, McNeil had his first career four hit game, and he would hit two doubles. He’s now hitting .310, and he seems to have a stranglehold on the second base position for the rest of the year.

2. Wonder Wahl

Due to injuries (a phrase written about this Mets team far too often), the New York Mets called up Bobby Wahl, and he impressed.

Wahl was in the upper 90s while showing a good slider and curve. With that repertoire, he’s pitched 1.1 scoreless with two strikeouts.

With the two appearances, the Mets appear to have a very interesting arm in the bullpen who could be a part of the mix going forward.

3. Conforto Continues Raking

The best possible development for this year and the next is Michael Conforto returning to form.

Since the All Star Break, he’s hitting .315/.377/.593, and he’s showing no signs of stopping.

3 DOWN

1. DeGrom’s “Slump”

Since the All Star Break, Jacob deGrom has been in a bit of a “slump.” His ERA has jumped 17 points, his strikeouts are down, and hits against him are up. Naturally, he’s 0-3 in those starts.

Of course, during this “slump” deGrom has pitched into the eighth twice, and the seventh in the other game. He has a 2.74 ERA in this stretch limiting batters to a .221/.247/.349 batting line while striking out 9.4 batters per nine.

As an aside, deGrom has pitched against the Braves five times. In those starts, he has a 1.09 ERA, 0.909 WHIP, and a 10.9 K/9. The Mets have lost all five of these games.

2. Guillorme Not Given a Chance

With the struggles of Amed Rosario, the team announced he will sit two times a week to help him develop and improve.

Based upon comments, we can also expect McNeil sit on occasion due to previous injuries. Same goes for Todd Frazier who just got off the disabled list. One would think this would create a good opportunity for Luis Guillorme to get into the lineup.

However, that won’t happen as Mickey Callaway said the organization views Guillorme as nothing more than a late inning replacement and pinch hitter. They said this about a guy they added to the 40 man roster last offseason because they feasted losing him in the Rule 5 Draft.

Either this is complete roster mismanagement, or it’s a sign the Mets will do anything and make any excuse to get Jose Reyes into the lineup.

Whatever the reason, it’s funny how the Mets have learned to be honest when it comes to trashing young players who haven’t been given a chance, but when it comes to an underperforming veteran, they’ll bend over backwards to defend that player.

3. Bautista Fell off Map

Jose Bautista has largely been a pleasant surprise since the Mets signed him from his living room. He has not just hit, but he’s also been versatile, playing both corner outfield positions, first, and third.

With his impressive play, the hope was that the Mets would be able to flip him for something.

Well, not only did the Mets not trade him at the deadline, but he’s also mired in a career worst 0-for-23 stretch with 12 strikeouts. With the way he’s going, it’s hard to see the Mets being able to trade him this month.