After playing 18 straight days, the Mets got some much-needed rest this past week with two off days on Monday and Thursday. The Mets split their series with the Yankees, and only managed one victory in their three-game set against the Phillies.

While the Mets’ bullpen continued to struggle this week, Seth Lugo rediscovered his stuff, as he didn’t allow a single run. At the top of the Mets lineup, Jeff McNeil continued his outstanding play. McNeil goes into the All-Star Break with a .349 batting average, which is the best mark across all of baseball.

Hitter of the Week – Jeff McNeil

Jeff McNeil continued his path toward a batting title this week, racking up eight hits across 22 at-bats. McNeil started his week with a multi-hit game, going 2-for-4, before hitting his seventh home run of the season in the Mets second game against the Yankees. McNeil’s week also included a four-hit game against the Phillies on Saturday.

Jeff McNeil’s stats this past week: .364/.364/.500, 8 H, 4 R, HR, 2 RBI

McNeil has been great all season long, but things have really taken off for him since the calendar turned to June. Since that point, McNeil has played in 30 games and has racked up 46 hits. He hit .370/.398/.593 with five home runs, 19 RBIs and 20 runs scored during that span. In the process, McNeil overtook Cody Bellinger for the best batting average in the National League. McNeil’s average is currently 13 points higher than Bellinger, as he is well on his way to a batting title. McNeil will be playing in his first All-Star Game this week.

Pitcher of the Week – Seth Lugo

Mickey Callaway really did his best to ruin Seth Lugo’s season. Lugo had clearly been the Mets best reliever, as he pitched to a sparkling 2.23 ERA prior to that fateful game against the Chicago Cubs on June 23. Despite throwing over 40 pitches that day, Callaway left Lugo in a game where he clearly didn’t have his best stuff. The result was Lugo yielding a late three-run homer to Javy Baez, as the Cubs came from behind to win.

After that game, Lugo seemed to have lost the form that made him so dominant this season. He allowed two runs in each of his next two appearances, as Lugo watched his ERA balloon all the way to 3.60. This past week, Lugo once again pitched up to his capabilities as he did not allow a single run across his three games pitched.

Lugo’s line this past week: 3 IP, 0 ER, 2 H, BB, 3 K

Lugo now goes into the All-Star break with a team-best 3.35 ERA out of the bullpen and hopefully has regained his confidence heading into the second half.