Since Mets third-baseman David Wright headed to the disabled list due to a herniated disk in his neck, Wilmer Flores has taken advantage of the opportunity at hand in a huge way.
In last night’s 11-2 victory over the Pittsburgh Pirates, Flores had a great night at the plate. He went 2-for-5 on the night with a homer and four RBI. Flores entered the game with just five RBI on the season, almost doubling that tally in one game. It was his fifth career game of four or more RBI and his first since August 24, 2015 against Philadelphia, when he had five.
In a month when the offense has struggled, Flores has flourished. He is batting .375 in the month of June, going 15-for-40 in that span. Overall on the season he has hit to a .250/.315/.370 slash, though in his past 15 games he has hit to a line of .340/.396/.489. Flores attributed last night’s offensive breakout for himself and the team as nothing more but relaxing a bit more at the plate.
“We got together and we went out there and tried to relax and have good at-bats,” Flores said. “Every guy is here for a reason — because they can hit up here, and we’re good enough to win games. And with the pitching that we have, I don’t think we need many runs. You know, we’re counting on our guys. I mean, we did it last year and we’ll try to keep ourselves right there.” (ESPN)
A pregame get together with hitting coach, Kevin Long, possibly put some perspective into the minds of the Metropolitan batters as numerous players were admittedly pressing. Flores though has found himself in a groove as he has received regular playing time for the first time this season.
With the possibility of Wright electing for neck surgery to correct his herniated disk, the 24-year old Flores could be looking at being the everyday third baseman for this team going forward. If he continues on the torrid pace he has been on at the plate, that may not be the worst thing for the Mets.
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