In last night’s 9-7 win over the first place Washington Nationals, the New York Mets lineup all took part in the fun, getting contributions from everyone in the starting lineup including a pinch-hit double from Kelly Johnson and the 5th inning go-ahead homer off the bat of red hot Wilmer Flores.
Right fielder Curtis Granderson had a busy night at the plate himself, going 3 for 4 with two doubles, two walks, and two runs scored. In total, Granderson was on base five times, the first time this season that Granderson has accomplished such a feat. The last time he had done so was August 27 of last year in Philadelphia. It was also the 12th time in his career that he had gotten on base at least five times in a game.
What’s more, Granderson didn’t register an at-bat until the fourth inning, where on a 3-1 fastball from RHP Lucas Giolito he doubled to right field. His two previous at-bats in the first and third produced the two walks he had on the night.
Since returning to the lineup last Sunday after previously missing four games due to a calf issue, Granderson’s bat has been heating up. Since his return on July 3 against the Chicago Cubs at home, Granderson has gone 8 for 20 with two doubles, two home runs, five RBI., four walks, and five runs scored. He’s also raised his batting average by 11 points since June 29, from .228 to .239 after last night’s game.
And now that Jose Reyes is back with the team after being called up Tuesday, Granderson has adjusted just fine to the number two hole, where he’s gone 5 for 11 with two doubles, three walks, on home runs, and two runs scored.
He seems comfortable batting in the number two hole, as his career splits show to the tune of a stat line of .255/.353/.518, for an OPS of .871. His on-base percentage, slugging, and OPS are the highest of any spots in the lineup he’s hit in. With the return of Reyes and Terry Collins sliding him back into his customary lead-off role, Granderson now has more opportunities to drive runs in, while providing a strong on-base percentage to set up the heart of the Mets’ lineup.
Granderson has 15 home runs on the year, and he’s currently on pace to match his total from last year (26), or potentially get closer to 30, as he didn’t hit his 15th homer last year until July 28 against the San Diego Padres.
Granderson is the consummate professional, and is a manager’s dream to have, as he provides leadership, a great team spokesman, and the flexibility to just go out and perform to the best of his capabilities, no matter where he’s batting in the lineup.
“One through nine, it doesn’t matter to me,” Granderson said. “Wherever (Manager) Terry (Collins) happens to put me.”
Granderson also doesn’t seem to mind moving around in the lineup, as he understands what his role on the team is, and his mindset remains the same going into each game.
“For me, it’s no different,” he said. “Reyes, or Juan (Lagares), or whoever is leading off, if they’re on base, my job is to move them over and try to advance them and get them across the plate . . . The big thing is, when it’s your spot to bat, there’s going to be situations where guys are on and aren’t on base. You just have to do what the situation is ahead of you. No matter where you happen to be batting in the lineup.”
The Mets are counting on Granderson staying healthy and being a big contributor heading into the later months of the season. His penchant for getting on base and supplying top of the order power will be crucial for the Mets offense moving forward; as he acts as a catalyst for the rest of the lineup and sets the table for guys like Cespedes, Walker, and d’Arnaud.
The offense has come alive the past week for the Mets, and getting Granderson back has helped lengthen the lineup out even more. If Reyes can continue to get more and more comfortable at the plate, the Mets will have a very strong lineup, especially at the top, and gives Granderson more opportunities to drive runners in.
