We saw some progress with the New York Mets this week.
Namely, we saw a lot of improvement from the offense. To be more precise, the Mets got consistent production from the lineup throughout the entire three-game series. And we haven’t been able to say that all too often this year.
Were it not for a bullpen implosion, then the Mets might have secured a first series sweep since the end of May. With that said, a first series win since June is just what this team needed.
On that note, let’s recap everything from the Royals series in the latest edition of 3 Up, 3 Down…
A.J. Ewing by Berto Carlo
3 UP
EXPLODING INTO LIFE
Where has this level of production from the offense been all year? The bats truly came to life against Kansas City, outscoring the Royals 25-21. Furthermore, they have scored six-plus runs in five consecutive games. The offense was averaging 8.75 runs per game over a four-game stretch prior to Wednesday’s finale. This is without a doubt the best and most consistent stretch of the entire season for the lineup. Why it has taken this long for everything to click is a good question, but hopefully we see similar levels of production the rest of the way.
FUTURE LOOKING GOOD
The Mets may well have just found their outfield of the future. Juan Soto, Carson Benge, and A.J. Ewing are all showing that the future does indeed look bright. The trio were red-hot throughout this series, going a combined 15-for-33 with 14 runs, four homers, one double, nine walks, and 10 RBIs. That’s elite-level production, and it is the kind of talent that could provide the Mets with a foundation of success for years to come. Ewing was the standout of the three, going a perfect 4-for-4 with four runs scored and three RBIs in the opener. Furthermore, the rookie is continuing to prove that he’s the perfect fit as this team’s leadoff hitter. Benge came up with some clutch hits, including a big single that broke the game open in the finale, and Soto just continues to stay hot. All in all, the outfield looks set to be a considerable strength for the foreseeable future.
ROTATION HOPES
The overall pitching picture was an ugly mess in the first game of the series. However, things settled down after that largely thanks to the starting rotation. Christian Scott continues to ascend for the Mets. He tossed five scoreless innings on Wednesday night, giving up just three hits with one walk and five strikeouts. Scott once again showed that he has the talent and the potential to be a future cornerstone of this pitching staff, as long as he can clean up on a few things. For instance, wiping out mental lapses and being able to go deeper in games will be musts if Scott is to develop into a reliable No. 2 or No. 3 starter. Meanwhile, Sean Manaea continues to trend in the right direction. The veteran went a full seven innings on Thursday, giving up two earned runs while striking out six. Maybe Manaea’s best stuff is behind him, but this new version could offer the Mets the solid, dependable back-of-the-rotation starter they need.
Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
3 DOWN
UNWELCOME HISTORY
The Mets made history for all the wrong reasons on Tuesday night. Following an all-time epic collapse, the Mets lost when scoring at least 11 runs at home for the first time in franchise history. They had been 129-0. Furthermore, they lost for just the second time in franchise history when scoring 12 or more runs. Not good. The cause of all that embarrassment was the pitching. In short, a bullpen game well and truly backfired. Kodai Senga started the damage by allowing four earned runs on five hits over three innings. It only got worse from there. Austin Warren, who has since landed on the IL, gave up five earned runs. The biggest culprit, however, was Matt Seelinger, who allowed seven earned runs across just two innings in a nightmare MLB debut to forget. The bullpen has largely been a strength this year, but Tuesday night was rough.
UNFORESEEN HINDERANCE
The Mets may have to change some of their Trade Deadline plans. Mark Vientos has landed on the IL with a fracture in his right hand after getting hit by a pitch. With the infielder likely to miss weeks, it is unlikely that he will now be moved at the Deadline. It also continues a nightmare season for Vientos, who has struggled defensively and offensively while struggling to hold down a regular role. A parting of the ways may have been beneficial for both parties, but that’s now unlikely to happen anytime soon.
SLUMP CITY
Francisco Lindor is not having a good time of it right now. He is still being eased back in with days off here and there, but maybe that’s impacting his rhythm. The shortstop recorded just one hit in the Royals series, with no extra-base hits, no RBIs, one walk, and two strikeouts. Furthermore, Lindor is hitting just .192/.276/.192/.468 with no extra-base hits and five strikeouts over his last seven games. He looks lost at the plate, and the Mets will hope that is just rust rather than something more troubling.
