Mets fans can dream of a day soon when seeing Brandon Sproat and Edwin Díaz in the same box score is a good sign. Today was not that day.
Sproat threw 23 of his 35 pitches for strikes in the Mets’ 5-1 loss to the Houston Astros, allowing two runs on four hits in two-plus innings, striking out two. It was his first start since being re-assigned to minor league camp.
The biggest story of the night was Díaz making his spring debut. The 30-year-old was shaky, giving up two hits, two runs and a walk and retiring just one batter on his 19 pitches. Perhaps most alarming was that Díaz allowed three steals, including one of third base.
Photo by Ed Delany of Metsmerized
“I think I was a little excited today. That’s how I feel,” said Diaz. “I wasn’t able to stay on top of the ball, so I was side to side and going toward the third base side. That’s my takeaway. Was just missing with my fastball today.”
Meanwhile, Mark Vientos shined at the plate with three hits, all singles.
In addition to Vientos, other bright spots for the Mets included a Francisco Lindor RBI single and a strong throw by Francisco Alvarez to nail Quincy Hamilton trying to steal second.
PLAYER OF THE GAME
While Vientos hasn’t shown off his immense power yet, his three singles were certainly a good sign. Vientos also initiated a nice-looking double play.
UP NEXT
The Mets head to West Palm Beach to take on the Washington Nationals at 6:05 PM EST. Paul Blackburn will look to shake off his rough start last time out, while Trevor Williams is on the hill for the Nats. The game will not be televised.
