It’s no secret that Rick Porcello has been largely disappointing thus far in 2020, with an ERA of six heading into last night’s game against Philadelphia.
The New Jersey native was hoping to keep the momentum going from what was a decent last start against the Yankees on August 30th — allowing two runs over five innings on 86 pitches.
Porcello was tasked to try and cool down a red-hot Phillies team, winners of nine of their last 10 games going into the night.
To our surprise, the veteran righty kept the Phillies bats mostly at bay, allowing two runs over six innings pitched and striking out 6 (tying his season high).
He did walk two batters, but overall his command was sharp, specifically with his sinker and slider.
Considering that his sinker is his “bread and butter pitch”, it was encouraging to see him be able to spot it with no real issues, along with great movement that was reminiscent of his 2016 Cy Young season.
In his postgame zoom conference, Porcello was asked if he’s “extra aware” about Mets’ starters needing to give more length in their outings to help take some load off of the bullpen.
Porcello responded immediately, “Absolutely — it’s time for us as starters to start doing that on a more consistent basis.”
Well, If the Mets are to have any sort of postseason aspirations, they will need Porcello to continue pitching effectively (specifically with his sinker) and lean on him the rest of the way.
