Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports
Maybe the return of Javier Báez to the Mets lineup is just what they needed to get a winning streak together.
In his return to the lineup on Sunday afternoon in Los Angeles, he showed just why the Mets acquired him from the Cubs late last month. In his first game off the injured list after returning from a stint with back spasms, Báez put together his first multi-hit game since August 4. Playing for the first time since August 10, the Mets slugger went 2-for-4 with two doubles, two runs scored, and a RBI.
“Even when I was out, I was trying to bring my energy and happiness to the team,” Báez said after the Mets 7-2 win.
“I know we’re going through a struggle right now, and we understand that we’re playing really good teams. I think we got the talent to be up there and I hope it comes back to us soon.”
Prior to today, Báez was hitting just .171 with a .559 OPS in 10 games with the Mets. But this was a much needed productive performance for Báez, whom the Mets have missed in the lineup. Since he’s been on the shelf, the Mets have gone 3-8.
Once Francisco Lindor makes his return from the IL, the Mets expect Báez to shift primarily to second base. Along with Lindor, the duo has a chance to be one of the best double play combinations in all of baseball.
Marcus Stroman, the Mets winning pitcher on Sunday, called Báez “a game-changer” in the lineup.
“He’s someone who can make something magical happen any moment.”
