The Mets were shutout for the sixth time this season yesterday against the Tampa Bay Rays yesterday as they lost 3-0 to move to 35-50 on the year.
The team’s offense was absolutely atrocious in the game as they only recorded seven hits as a unit and went 0-7 with runners in scoring position.
However, Wilmer Flores proved to be the one guy able to hit Blake Snell yesterday as he went 3-for-3 with a double off the left-hander.
Flores did fly out in his last at-bat of the game, but that happened with Sergio Romo on the mound in the ninth inning.
The 26-year old has been consistently taking advantage of his opportunities of late, though, as he is hitting .303/.336/.505 with four home runs and 20 RBI in his last 30 games (99 at-bats).
And the team has rewarded him with regular playing time at first base in the process, as he has started every game since June 26.
That is for good reason too as he is 12-for-36 (.333) with one home run and five RBI in that span.
This probably could not be coming at better timing for the Mets as, with the MLB Trade Deadline fastly approaching, the team might very well look to deal the first baseman.
While it is unlikely they could get a significant enough return for the 26-year old, it makes sense that they would showcase Flores in the event someone is willing to give up something of value for him.
And even if they don’t trade him, Flores could find himself simply earning more playing time with the Mets in the process. If he keeps playing this way, most people wouldn’t have a problem with that scenario as the Mets clearly could use as much offense as they can get right now.
