The Mets started off the week slow, losing two out of three to the Baltimore Orioles. They bounced back later in the week against the Royals, winning two out of three and taking the series. Mets’ bats started to wake up in the later innings against the Royals, which helped propel them to their wins. Also of note was seeing pitchers Kodai Senga and Sean Manaea back on the mound. Both of these pitchers performed well in their first appearances off the injured list.   

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Offensive Player of the Week: Francisco Lindor 

Francisco Lindor had a solid week, slashing .240/.296/.520/.818. He had two home runs with five RBIs. What was staggering for Lindor’s at-bats last week was that he was hitting the ball hard. His hard hit rate was 40.9%. This was exemplified with his two home runs, which had exit velocities of 107.5 and 103.7 mph and traveled a distance of 425 and 410 feet. Not only were his at-bats impressive, but Lindor also made history last week. During Saturday’s game, Lindor stole his 200th career base. This put him in an exclusive club as just the third shortstop to have 200 home runs and 200 stolen bases, joining Derek Jeter and Jimmy Rollins. 

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Pitcher of the Week: Kodai Senga and Sean Manaea 

Last week was a big week for starting pitchers making their return to the mound. First up was Kodai Senga.

Senga started July 11, and he tossed four innings of zero-run baseball, allowed four hits, two walks, and struck out four. What was great to see was that Senga managed to pitch around a few jams during his four innings of work.

Next up for his return was Sean Manaea. Manaea came in relief for Clay Holmes during Sunday’s game. Manaea pitched 3 ⅓ innings and struck out seven batters. Unfortunately, the day didn’t end great, as he was charged with the loss by allowing the winning run to score in the bottom of the ninth. Overall, Manaea looked very much like the second-half of last year’s Manaea, which means only great things for the Mets. 

Honorable Mention: Juan Soto 

Despite the All-Star snub, Juan Soto is still performing like an All-Star. Soto slashed .238/.385/.524 last week with an OPS of .908.  He hit two home runs and drove in five RBIs. Soto now ranks eighth in OPS for the National League. The highlight of Soto’s week was his two-run home run against the Royals on Saturday, which was enough run support to lift the Mets to the win.

Up Next 

All-Star Week is upon us. Yesterday was the Home Run Derby. Pete Alonso has opted out this year, stating that he would like to “fully be able to enjoy the festivities,” according to MLB’s Anthony DiComo. The Mets, however, will be well represented in the Midsummer Classic. Alonso, Edwin Díaz, Francisco Lindor, and David Peterson have all been named to the National League All-Star team roster. Following the All-Star Game, the Mets take on the Cincinnati Reds at home. July 19th’s game is very special for Mets fans, as the Mets are honoring David Wright by retiring his No. 5.