Mets Swept In Dreary Philadelphia 5-2, José Butto Struggles

The New York Mets entered Sunday night’s game in a dreary Philadelphia hoping to avoid a four-game sweep. Unfortunately, this goal was not accomplished, and New York lost their fourth-straight against the Phillies by the score of 5-2. Only two series remain for the Mets, who are limping their way to the finish line.

One of the storylines the last couple weeks of the season has been the apparent emergence of starter José Butto. However, for the first time since August 15, Butto allowed more than two runs. He was shelled for four across only four innings, the big blow being a Nick Castellanos two-run home run. In total, Butto allowed four hits to go along with two walks. He did strike out five, but overall struggled in what was his worst major-league outing of the season.

Butto’s ERA still sits at a solid 3.75 on the year. Despite the poor outing, overall signs this season are very encouraging for the 25-year-old from Venezuela.

Offensively, it was another rookie that led the way. In the sixth inning, Ronny Mauricio launched a two-run home run over the left-field fence off a pitch that was likely to be in the dirt. The ability to get the bat on the ball, let alone launch it at a game-high 112.9 mph is extremely impressive. Mauricio continues to show encouraging signs during this loss season.

After Butto, the only Mets’ reliever, of the three that followed, to allow a run was Grant Hartwig. His ERA now sits at 5.13 on the season. However, both Anthony Kay and Trevor Gott were able to post scoreless appearances.

Kay, who was claimed off waivers on September 15, was recalled before the game after terrific performances with Triple-A Syracuse. Before his call-up, the former Mets’ draft pick posted eight strikeouts across two appearances that lasted 3 1/3 innings with Syracuse. In all, he has struck out 58 across 40 2/3 Triple-A innings this season. Certainly an intriguing arm to watch out of the bullpen the remaining week of the season.

During the game, Mets’ catcher Francisco Álvarez left the contest after taking back-to-back foul balls off the mitt. He left favoring his left hand. After the game, Buck Showalter confirmed it is a finger contusion for the Mets’ young catcher. The X-rays were negative.

Statistic of the Game: .455 Win Percentage

With the loss, New York drops to 71-85 on the season. This slots them in with the eighth-worst record in the majors. Given the Washington Nationals are not eligible for a top-ten pick, the Mets currently slot in at seventh in the draft lottery order.

The Mets need to earn a top-six slot in the draft lottery or else their first-round pick will drop 10 spots.

Player of the Game: Ronny Mauricio 

Not much to write home about for the Mets on Sunday. The lone offense came via the bat of Ronny Mauricio. Mauricio, who slugged the home run from the right side of the plate, went down and got the pitch in what was a very impressive two-run shot.

Mauricio is slashing .260/.305/.377 on the season. Despite the power surge he showed in Triple-A, that power has yet to really showcase in the majors since his call-up. Nice to see the long ball on Sunday.

On Deck

The Mets trudge on with their season as they welcome in the Miami Marlins in the team’s second-to-last series of the season. The three-game set is slated to begin Tuesday as Game 1 will get underway at 7:10 pm ET. The probable pitching matchup for Tuesday’s contest is Braxton Garrett versus Joey Lucchesi.