Until recently the New York Mets had serious questions in their rotation outside of Noah Syndergaard and Jacob deGrom.
Steven Matz, Jason Vargas and Zack Wheeler have answered the call – at least in the recent short-term – as the rotation has been the Mets strength over the last three weeks.
Dating back to May 18, the Mets starting rotation has a National League best 2.54 ERA and trail only the Seattle Mariners’ 2.47 ERA for the majoe league best.
During that span the rotation has held opponents to a .235/.291/.320 line with 117 strikeouts compared to only 26 walks in 110 inning.
Two big keys for the Mets starters recent success has been limiting walks (5.7 BB%/tied for best in MLB) and keeping the ball in the park (0.6 HR/9, 2nd in MLB).
Wheeler has a 2.52 ERA with 24 strikeouts/five walk ration over his last 25 innings. Matz has a solid 2.70 ERA while holding opponents to .222 average. Even Vargas has looked better recently with a 1.11 WHIP and 3.50 ERA since May 18.
Whether it’s the influence of Devin Mesoraco behind the plate, Kevin Plawecki returning from the DL, or Mickey Callaway and Dave Eiland getting through to the pitchers finally, the Mets starters are looking like the strength of the team right now.
