As many of us know, the month of May wasn’t a spectacular one for our Mets, as they went 11-18. After a solid month of April in which the Mets went 15-10, May was a huge disappointment. The excitement of the team had dwindled down and it seemed that we had returned to our losing ways of past seasons.
However, the Mets made some improvements and tweaks to the roster, releasing relief pitchers Kyle Farnsworth and Jose Valverde, and cutting ties with hitting coach Dave Hudgens. Don’t look now, but the Mets are 5-1 since appointing Lamar Johnson the new hitting coach. Things are starting to look up again in Queens as the Mets are now only 4.0 games out of first place in the National League East, and 2.5 games out of a wild card spot.
Even though May had its ups and downs, I would like to take this time to shine on a couple of bright spots for the Mets in the month of May.
Pitcher of the Month: Jacob deGrom
This was a tough one, but the decision seemed right and the pitcher deserving. Mets rookie, Jacob deGrom gets the nod.
DeGrom made his Major League debut smack in the middle of the month, and hasn’t looked back since. Though Jacob hasn’t come away with a win yet in his first four outings, he’s still impressed fans and dazzled on the mound every time out. Jacob’s 0-2 record doesn’t do him any justice, as he should at least have one, if not two wins under his belt at this point. In four outings, the thing that stands out most to me is deGrom’s 2.42 ERA. When deGrom got the call, I just assumed he would make a few spot starts before being relegated to the bullpen when Dillon Gee returned. deGrom has proved the naysayer’s wrong, and with Rafael Montero being sent down, it looks like deGrom’s spot in the rotation is safe now, even when Gee does return. deGrom has struck out 25 batters over a span of 26 innings, and has only allowed seven runs, three of which came off the bat of Ryan Howard Saturday, which was his only blemish of a magnificent 11 strike out performance.
Honorable mention: Newly anointed Mets closer, Jenrry Mejia.
Mejia has taken a liking to his new closing job, even after being reluctant at first. Jenrry has definitely impressed thus far as the Mets closer, compiling six saves in six tries so far. He has only allowed a mere solo home run in his last nine innings pitched, striking out an equal nine over that span.
Hitter of the Month: David Wright
After a slow start to the season, David Wright really picked it up in the month of May, with a slash line of .320/.360/.461, going 41 for 128 with eight walks. Though Wright’s power numbers still aren’t there this season, he has still managed to own a .293 average on the season. I’m not worried about David, because I know his power numbers will pick up. Even with the power not there, he’s still and, as long as he’s a Met, will be perennially consistent.
Honorable mention: Ruben Tejada
I never thought I would say this, but here comes Ruben Tejada. Ruben is hitting .345 in his last ten games, and even launched his first home run, the difference maker, in Saturday’s contest against the Phillies. He’s still only hitting .233 on the season, but owns a .344 OBP, which is one of the best on the team. Don’t forget, Tejada is still so young. Younger than both Matt Harvey, Juan Lagares and Travis d’Arnaud.
There you have it Mets fans! Your players of the month for the month of May! Let’s hope June brings us fans joy and lots of winning!
