The Mets won 6-1 last night and while all the starters except Curtis Granderson and Zack Wheeler had a hit, it was the guys at the top of the lineup that stood out.
Michael Conforto went 2-for-5 in the leadoff spot, hitting a double and a solo home run, scoring twice. In 21 starts this year, Conforto is batting .333 (27-81) with eight home runs, 19 RBI and 20 runs scored. His OPS sits at a hearty 1.073 for the season.
T.J. Rivera, who batted second, went 3-for-4 with a double, one RBI, and one run scored. He matched his season high with three hits tonight and is batting .381 (16-42) with seven doubles, one home run, seven RBI and nine runs scored in his last 11 games.
The youngsters have been killing it lately and are two huge reasons why the Mets are riding high right now. While Conforto has a more solidified spot in the outfield, Rivera’s situation is more complicated with Lucas Duda working his way back from the disabled list.
“I try not to concern myself with the things I can’t control,” Rivera said regarding Duda’s return. “What I can control is coming out here, try to help the team win right now when I’m getting my opportunity. When the time comes, decisions will be made but that’s not really what’s on my mind right now.”
Rivera is extremely valuable for more that just his bat. He is able to play every infield position with varying degrees of efficiency, so it’s more than likely he will find himself in the lineup frequently upon Duda’s return, whether it’s starting or pinch hitting.
Conforto has more time than Rivera, as Yoenis Cespedes will probably not be back for at least two more weeks. If he continues to rake has he has been, Curtis Granderson (.142/.207/.274 with two home runs) might be the casualty of the crowded outfield with Conforto moving to center and Jay Bruce in right.
Terry Collins is going to have some tough decisions to make if these two guys continue on the paths they are on. For the time being, though, these two should/will remain in the starting lineup every single day.
