T.J. Rivera Making Most of His Opportunity

Throughout his career T.J. Rivera has done nothing but hit no matter where he has played.

Last year in 33 games in the majors he hit .333/.345/.476 with four double and three homers. On the kid, Terry Collins told reporters, “He’s dangerous. He swings the bat, he’s aggressive.”

This year the Mets are seeing much of the same from Rivera.

Due to his recent hot stretch Rivera was moved all the way up to the two spot in the lineup Friday night, and he was right in the middle of the come from behind win.

Rivera got the Mets scoring started off in the top of the first in with his first homer of the season, a solo shot to left. T.J. beautifully turned on a first pitch 94 MPH up and in fastball.

Then with the Mets having already scored two runs in the inning, Rivera came up with the bases loaded in a two run game in the bottom of the seventh. He turned on a first pitch Brad Ziegler sinker, and lined a two-run, game tying double. Rivera drove in a career high three RBIs on the night.

He is now hitting .300/.378/.500 for the Mets this year and has hit safely in five of the last six games. Rivera should continue to get time at first base with Lucas Duda not expected to restart his rehab assignment until next week.

Rivera told Steve Gelbs postgame, “I was just looking for something up to drive in the run from third. I was able to barrel something up and drive in the run.”