The New York Mets opened up the week of June 19-25th with a crushing loss at the hands of Julio Teheran, who one-hit the Mets in a complete game shutout, winning 6-0. The Mets were swept by the Braves in that weekend series, scoring a total of only four runs at home. They dropped to six games back of the division leading Washington Nationals, and needed to put together some series wins and take advantage of the Nationals seven game losing streak (stretching from June 18th to June 25th).
The World Series Champion Kansas City Royals were next up; making a quick two-game stop at Citi Field. The Mets were able to take both games midweek, getting tremendous bullpen help in Tuesday’s win after Bartolo Colon was forced to leave the game in the first inning after second baseman Whit Merrifield ripped a liner off of Colon’s right thumb.
The next night Noah Syndergaard toed the rubber, and delivered a mediocre start compared to some of the gems he’s tossed, pitching six innings while giving up three runs. The bullpen was once again superb, and infielder Matt Reynolds hit his first major league home run, and the Mets held on to a 4-3 win.
The Mets also saw the return of catcher Travis d’Arnaud, whose been on the disabled list since April 25th due to a strained rotator cuff. He got his first hit in Friday night’s game, while driving in three runs. The team also made several roster moves on Saturday, demoting left-fielder Michael Conforto to Triple A Las Vegas, while calling up top prospect Brandon Nimmo to take his spot.
Conforto had been struggling mightily the past eight weeks, and over his last 30 games put up a slash line of .135/.210/.292 with 31 strikeouts. The team also announced the signing of former Met shortstop Jose Reyes to a minor league contract, hoping he could provide the team a spark at the top of the lineup, while infusing some speed into the team who’s second to last in stolen bases in baseball (14).
For the week, the Mets went 4-2, and now sit three games back of the Nationals heading into their three game set in D.C. It’s sure to be a huge series which could ultimately make or break this team heading into the first week of July. For now though, here are your Players of the Week, brought to you by MMO.
OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK: JAMES LONEY
The offensive player of the week goes to first baseman James Loney, who had a strong week both at the plate and in the field. Loney went 7-for-21 with a home run, double, three runs scored, four R.B.I. and two walks at the plate. Loney registered a hit in every game except the Sunday one-hit gem by Teheran, and has posted a strong season line of .302/.362/.453 after Sunday’s loss to the Braves.
He’s also contributed some fine defense at first, making some long stretches from the first base bag and scooping up some errant throws, including the last out of Friday night’s win when Jace Peterson struck out on a pitch that went past d’Arnaud. As Peterson was racing to the bag in the bottom of the ninth, d’Arnaud raced near the backstop to secure the ball, toss it to Loney at first who had to stretch to his right and keep his foot planted on the bag. The play would be challenged by the Braves, but held up in the Mets favor, and for their 8-6 victory.
Loney also launched his second home run on the year in Friday’s win, crushing a hanging breaking ball off RHP Aaron Blair into the Braves’ bullpen in right, giving the Mets an 8-0 lead in the top of the fifth. Those runs would end up being the winning runs, as the Braves made a valiant comeback in the bottom of the fifth, scoring six runs off of Steven Matz.
Loney has been a solid addition to this team, especially considering the injury to Lucas Duda and the news earlier this week that he has yet to begin any baseball related activities, and being limited to riding the exercise bike. Loney has given the Mets a legitimate hitter and a much better option than the likes of Eric Campbell, who posted a wRC+ of 45 in 30 games, compared to Loney who in 23 games has a 127 wRC+, along with less strikeouts and an almost 100 point difference in on base percentage.
PITCHER OF THE WEEK: HANSEL ROBLES
Hansel Robles earns the nod for pitcher of the week, after delivering a brilliant performance against the Royals after Colon left in the first inning due to injury. Robles limited the Royals to one run on five hits, with one walk and six strikeouts over 3 2/3 innings pitched, earning his first win of 2016. Robles flashed a great slider that night, with four of his six strikeouts coming via the slider, and got lots of swing and misses while mixing in his mid-nineties fastball. The 3 2/3 innings pitched were a career high for Robles, along with the six strikeouts.
Robles was also called upon in Friday’s game with the Braves, coming in after Steven Matz gave up six runs in the bottom of the fifth. With runners on first and second and one out, Robles was able to get out of trouble by getting Jeff Francoeur to fly out to right, and then striking out Nick Markakis on four pitches. Robles would end up tossing 2 2/3 innings, allowing no runs and no hits, while striking out two, earning his second win in a matter of three days.
Robles has been strong in June, throwing 13 1/3 innings while giving up only three earned runs, striking out 17 batters and not allowing a home run this month. He’s lowered his season E.R.A. from 3.52 at the end of May, to 2.97. He’s been a solid arm for the Mets out of the pen, a good sight considering Jim Henderson‘s D.L. stint, and Antonio Bastardo struggling in his last 15 games to the tune of a 9.00 E.R.A. and a 2.00 WHIP.
