Players of the Week: Thumbs Up for Javier Báez and Rich Hill

Despite a frustrating loss Monday afternoon, this past week was a big week for the New York Mets. With their backs up against the wall, they took care of business against the Washington Nationals and Miami Marlins. 

The offense finally started showing signs of life, and the pitching got the job done. The Mets went 6-1 on the week, and made up a ton of ground in both the division and the Wild Card. The lone loss came in Game 2 of Saturday’s doubleheader, 4-3 at the hands of Nats left-hander Josh Rogers. 

The Mets enter play on Tuesday night sitting 4.5 games back in the Wild Card and 4 games back in the NL East. They now take on the Marlins again for three games, and then return home for the Subway Series this weekend.

Pitcher of the Week: Rich Hill

The Mets finally received the type of effort they’ve been looking for from Rich Hill this week. 

The veteran left-hander took the ball in Friday night’s series opener against the Nationals and put together a very solid outing. 

Hill again took the no-decision, but he tossed six shutout innings and allowed just three hits and two walks while striking out four. The effort was good enough for his first quality start since May 25, and his first in a Mets uniform.

The 41-year old is now 6-6 on the season with a 3.92 ERA, 1.18 WHIP, and 119 strikeouts on the season. Hill is scheduled to take the mound next on Wednesday night against right-hander Sandy Alcantara and the Marlins.

Hitter of the Week: Javier Báez

This week was a huge week for the Mets offense. They received big-time production from top to bottom in the lineup. 

In the absence of Brandon Nimmo, both in center and at the top of the order, the ‘-illar Brothers’ stepped up big time. Both Jonathan Villar and Kevin Pillar were as hot as can be. Francisco Lindor continued to look like himself at the plate, with a monster week as well.

Perhaps the hottest Mets hitter this week was the man right in the center of all the attention, Javier Báez. 

Over his past seven games, Báez is hitting .400 with a 1.164 OPS with eight runs, two homers, three RBI, and just seven strikeouts. He has been locked in and playing like the game-changer he is since the thumbs-down gate. 

Javy scored the game-winning run with an incredible slide in Game 1 of Tuesday’s doubleheader with the Marlins. He then recorded six consecutive hits over the weekend, including a 4-for-4 performance in Saturday’s win. 

Báez has provided a huge boost to the middle of a Mets offense that badly needed it. They’ll need him to continue producing like he is if they hope to keep up in the push to the playoffs. 

The Mets will kick the series off tonight in Miami against young right-hander Edward Cabrera, who they tagged for three runs in Tuesday’s win.