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And just like Stella, Daniel Vogelbach has his groove back.

After manager Buck Showalter benched him for a six-game “mental break,” Vogelbach returned to action on June 16 against the St. Louis Cardinals and hasn’t looked back since. He’s been on a tear as of late, going 7-for-17 with two home runs and seven RBIs in that stretch. While still a small sample size, the numbers are a far cry from his measly .203/.343./.297 slash line prior to his return. Most importantly, he’s putting the ball in play with runners in scoring position, something the Mets, and Vogelbach himself, have struggled mightily with this season.

Looking Inward

While every ballplayer goes through the typical slump or two during a season, they’re often left to fend for themselves and work through it in front of a charged fanbase and chorus of boos and vulgarities. It’s a scene Vogelbach was all too familiar with in his at-bats on the road and at home. What fans tend to forget, however, is that the worst critic in the room is usually the player himself. Showalter, aware of this, took it upon himself to remove his DH from the lineup and allow him to find his confidence at the plate again.

What used to be taboo has now become a fad in many aspects of the game, but there’s been a major culture shift this year when discussing mental health. MLB has begun to embrace new protocols on mental health awareness, having Mental Health Awareness Day at many ballparks and creating programs in many communities around the country to address and destigmatize the word itself. The Mets held their festivities on May 4th, corresponding with Mental Health Awareness Month. In addition, they provided a plethora of information to fans looking to learn more to improve their own well-being, offering programs that extend throughout the 2023 season.

Looking Outward

The most seismic change, however, is how the players are welcoming the topic. So far, Rockies closer Daniel Bard, Tigers outfielder Austin Meadows, former Met and current Athletics reliever Trevor May, and Twins reliever Jorge Lopez, have all been put on the IL at some point during the season with anxiety.

What’s fascinating, though, about stints to the IL with anxiety is what has been happening in the wake of their return. Just like Vogelbach, Bard’s numbers have soared since rejoining the Rockies in late April. After posting a 5.40 ERA in Spring Training in six appearances, the right-handed closer has pitched to a fine tune of a 0.79 ERA in 22 appearances this year. Similarly, Trevor May had a dreadful April, posting a 14.40 ERA for the month when he went on the IL with anxiety. Upon returning a month later, his ERA for May was 1.80.

Looking Forward

While Vogelbach’s case didn’t warrant a trip to the IL, the time given to let him take a step back and reevaluate his game has already paid dividends and has allowed him to make a positive contribution to the Mets. It’s not hard to wonder if trips to the IL to manage player’s mental health are almost as important at times as their physical health. It’s a trend to keep a close eye on as the years progress and the game continues to evolve. As Daniel Vogelbach and others have proven recently, taking a step back has only helped their game.