The Mets have a team batting average of .231 through the first two games of the shortened 2020 season.

Of course it’s early, and there’s no reason to become concerned about any aspect of a team’s performance after two games. But for context, five percent of the Mets’ season will be over after tonight’s game against Atlanta, and 10 percent of the season will be over after Wednesday night’s game.

The Mets’ fortunes have traditionally been tied to the effectiveness of their starting pitching. This year, after the loss of Zack Wheeler to free agency and injuries to Noah Syndergaard and Marcus Stroman, the Mets’ success will largely be a function of their formidable offense and revamped bullpen.

The offense, however, has thus far been less than formidable. The Mets have scored four runs through two games. Individually, some key bats have come out of the gate slowly:

Pete Alonso, 1-for-8

J.D. Davis, 0-for-6

Jeff McNeil, 1-for-8

Robinson Cano, 1-for-6

McNeil has had some hard luck, as he has stroked several line drives that have resulted in outs. Alonso’s timing appears off, despite his 10th inning single in Saturday’s game. Davis has not looked good at the plate, and Cano’s pitch selection and bat speed appear to not be ready at this point.

It’s fair to say that with a brief Summer Camp, pitchers will be ahead of hitters, as they usually are both coming in and coming out of Spring Training. Further, the Mets have faced tough competition in Mike Soroka and Max Fried.

The Mets have also lacked the key hit in important situations. In the seventh inning of Saturday’s game, with the Mets leading 2-1, Wilson Ramos and Michael Conforto led off with singles.

Interestingly, Luis Rojas chose to leave Ramos in the game, electing not to pinch-run Andres Gimenez, whom Rojas would put in the game for Cano in the top of the eighth. Also, the Mets are carrying three catchers, which makes the decision even more ponderous.

As the bottom of the seventh proceeded, Amed Rosario (who is 3-for-7 so far) hit into a force play, leaving runners at first and third.

In the most important at-bat of the inning, Brandon Nimmo struck out, failing to drive in the insurance run from third with one out. Jeff McNeil took a called third strike, as the early offensive brownout cost the Mets a chance to pad their lead.

The Mets are a powerful lineup that should begin to click. Hitters like Alonso, Davis, and McNeil cannot be held down for long. This season, however, is a sprint not a marathon. It will behoove the Mets to start running at full speed quickly.