The Angels jumped all over lefty Tommy Milone Sunday at Citi Field as he couldn’t get out of the second inning. He allowed eight runs (seven earned) on seven hits, three home runs, two walks and three strikeouts in 1.1 innings.
Since joining the Mets, he is 0-2 with a 10.50 ERA in 12 innings. Batters are hitting .352 off him in a Mets uniform – he’s just not fooling anybody. Unfortunately, the Mets don’t have many other options.
Rafael Montero came in relief of Milone and was moderately effective, pitching 3.2 innings. He allowed one earned run on two hits and three walks, striking out three. He actually lowered his season ERA to 8.10.
The last rotation spot, at least for the time being, is going to be either Montero or Milone and I’d take the veteran without a doubt. He can at least throw the ball over the plate, a trait Montero does not share as evidenced by his career 5.7 BB/9, a statistic only getting worse. In 2016 it jumped from 4.5 to 7.6, and now in 2017 it is hovering at 7.56. Conversely, Milone has walked nine batters in 33 innings in 2o17, good for a 2.46 BB/9.
There is no defense for walks, but simply throwing the ball over the plate isn’t always the answer. Milone is generally able to change speeds and keep hitters off balance, something he couldn’t do Sunday.
“It seemed like anytime I was throwing the ball over the plate, they were hitting it,” Milone said after Sunday’s loss. “That’s obvious. I don’t know. I don’t really have any answers.”
Milone is now 1-2 with a 7.91 ERA in 33 innings this season. As of now his job seems secure, but if he doesn’t turn his season around, he won’t be wearing the orange and blue much longer.
