Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports
Although last week was highlighted by the annual All-Star game in Los Angeles – and the games that were played didn’t have much excitement with two losses to the Padres – two Mets who were named to the mid-summer classic had phenomenal weeks. Pete Alonso batted above .500 with an epic home run, while Edwin Díaz continued to pitch scoreless baseball.
Hitter of the Week: Pete Alonso
In the weekend series, Pete Alonso went 6-for-10 with two doubles and a mammoth home run on Sunday evening that put the Mets in the lead. The towering two-run shot gave the Mets serious momentum in a game they had previously not scored in.
Alonso would follow up his homer with an RBI double, but his game the previous day was perhaps even better. He went 3-for-4 on Saturday with a run scored and another double.
In Tuesday’s All-Star Game, Alonso walked in his lone plate appearance. This was Alonso’s second All-Star appearance and his first since his 2019 rookie year.
Pitcher of the Week: Edwin Díaz
Edwin Díaz earns Pitcher of the Week honors with his two shutout frames–a scoreless inning apiece in the final two games against San Diego. He specifically rose to the challenge in Sunday’s finale, when he was called upon from the bullpen after the Padres put together a brief rally and got the tying run on deck. Once Narco blared through the speakers though, the game was all but over. Díaz pitched a perfect inning, striking out the final batter to seal the victory for New York.
Although Díaz did not pitch in the All-Star Game, he rightfully earned his second career selection and his first as a Met. His 252 ERA+ this season is currently a career best. The closer last was named to the All-Star Game as a Mariner in 2018.
He also showcased his good-guy personality, giving up his chance to pitch in the game so first-time All-Star David Bednar could get his time to shine.
