Big League Starter

With 94 starts and 107 games at second base in 2023, Jeff McNeil will probably be the Opening Day starter in 2024. McNeil started the season relatively well, like the Mets, and then seriously struggled in the middle few months, also like the Mets. However, as the season went on he started to figure things out and right the ship. Over the final two months of the season, McNeil hit .303 with a .809 OPS, looking a lot more like the hitter he was in 2022. His season slash line — .270/.333/.378 (.711 OPS) — doesn’t look great, but there was a noticeable improvement over the final months of the season. Unfortunately, at that point, the Mets had already sold off a lot of pieces at the trade deadline and given up on competing, but the improvement is still encouraging. 

McNeil has struggled before, most notably in 2021 when he hit .251 with a .679 OPS, and then came back and won the batting title the next season. His 2023 wasn’t great, but his 96 OPS+ says that it was ultimately right about average. His 4-year, $50 million contract that he signed before last season is relatively cheap all things considered, and his ability to play basically anywhere on the field is incredibly valuable. McNeil technically saw time at five positions other than second base last season, combining for almost 500 innings in the two corner outfield spots and picking up 16 innings in center field, one at shortstop and one at first base. He’s probably the second base starter, but really, he’s one of the premier utility players in baseball.

Ronny Mauricio. John Jones-USA TODAY Sports

Big League Depth

While McNeil is the starter, in the 23 games he played in September, he only started five of them at second base. Why is that? Well, the Mets called up Ronny Mauricio, their No. 8 prospect on MMO, for the final month. Mauricio played 26 games, and 21 of them came at second base. He had some ups and downs at the plate, bursting onto the scene hot and hitting .313 with a .770 OPS over his first 13 games. The last 13 games were a different story, hitting .189 with a .529 OPS. 

Mauricio definitely has exciting potential. He played better defense than expected at second base despite not having a ton of experience there, and the same goes for the handful of games he had at third base. He also stole seven bases without being caught.

However, there are serious concerns with his bat, specifically his approach, that need to be fixed if he’s going to see consistent playing time. In his short stint in the majors, Mauricio had a 42.4% chase percentage. He was far from a qualified hitter, but if he was, it would have been the fourth-worst chase rate in baseball. Only Eddie Rosario, Javier Báez and Salvador Pérez were worse. Out of 461 players with at least 100 plate appearances, which includes Mauricio, his chase rate was the 15th-worst. There are a handful of productive players in the majors with swing rates in the bottom-10 percentile, like Luis Robert Jr., Nick Castellanos, Julio Rodríguez and Bo Bichette, but it’s largely not a path to success. Mauricio hits the ball hard and has some eclectic tools, but he still has a long way to go if he’s going to move McNeil to the outfield on a regular basis. 

There’s also Luis Guillorme, who has been a solid utility infielder for the Mets for the last handful of years. However, after a really strong 2022, he fell off a cliff in 2023, seeing his average and on-base percentage drop significantly. He never hit for power, but that was fine when he was playing good defense and getting on base at a good rate. A sub .300 OBP though, as it was last year, just isn’t going to cut it. It wouldn’t be surprising to see Guillorme not make the roster, and maybe even get non-tendered. The same goes for Danny Mendick.

Luisangel Acuña. Photo by Bronson Harris of Binghamton Rumble Ponies

Upper Levels Depth

There are two big names for the Mets when it comes to upper-level depth at second base — Luisangel Acuña and Jett Williams. MMO’s No. 1 and No. 5 prospects in the organization respectively, both of them finished last season in Double-A. They’re both shortstops, but second base is a natural transition, especially with the Mets having Francisco Lindor at short for the foreseeable future. Acuña played the position a bit in Double-A but still played more shortstop, and struggled at the plate after being traded to the Mets to end the season. Williams doesn’t have a professional inning there yet, having just played short and center. However, after a great 2023 campaign and stating a desire to make the big leagues in 2023, it would make a lot of sense to start the transition to second to find a way to get him on the field. Regardless, both Acuña and Williams will probably start 2024 in Double-A with a chance to maybe make a big league cameo at the end of the year.

Luke Ritter, a seventh-round pick in 2019, is also an under-the-radar interesting option. He played a lot of second base between Double-A and Triple-A, and hit .244/.372/.492 with 27 home runs across the two levels. If McNeil or Mauricio has to miss time, a big league debut for Ritter could be on the table. Jose Peroza also has almost 800 minor-league innings at second base and had a solid 2023, and will likely be in Triple-A with Ritter to begin the year.

As for other options, Jonathan Araúz remains in the organization for now, and could serve as emergency depth at Triple-A as he did in 2023. 

Potential Acquisitions

As said earlier, second base is not a position the Mets should heavily target in free agency. With McNeil and Mauricio already splitting the position and high-level prospects not that far out, the group that’s in-house is probably going to be the group they go into the season with

However, there are a couple of interesting free agents who could be potential depth pieces. Adam Frazier had a solid season for the Orioles and, while mainly a second baseman, has some versatility. Donovan Solano is another option after a good year for the Twins, though he will be in his age-36 season. Kiké Hernández is an option, but his 2023 season was a rough one. Really though, it’s not likely any of those names end up in Queens in 2024.

Catcher

First Base

The post Mets Organizational Depth Chart: Second Base appeared first on Metsmerized.

Matt Rudick. Photo by Rick Nelson

It is just past the halfway mark in minor league baseball which means several of the standings in the league are reset for the second half. Unfortunately, for the teams that make up the New York Mets’ system, there was not a lot of success in the first half. Only one of the squads in the higher levels – Single-A through Triple-A – finished with a record above .500 (Double-A Binghamton at 35-34). Luckily, most of the teams have started the second half much better.

Despite that, this does not mean each of the teams are not lined with intriguing prospects. So, who are some of the under-the-radar guys Mets’ fans should keep their eyes on as each work their way up the system?

Note, this list did not include impressive under-the-radar guys in Paul Gervase and Christian Scott as features were just published on each of the recently. The one on Gervase can be read here and the one on Scott can be read here. 

Luke Ritter. Photo by Rick Nelson

Triple-A (Syracuse): Luke Ritter and Nate Lavender

Luke Ritter was terrific in the first half which resulted in a call-up June 12. Before his call up from Double-A Binghamton, he posted an OPS of .958 with 14 home runs for the Rumble Ponies. He continued this power surge in Triple-A as he already has four long balls across only 74 at-bats. His 19 organizational home runs leads all Mets’ minor leaguers.

In all, the five-foot-11 second baseman has an OPS of .890 across the Double-A and Triple-A levels this season. It is a great bounce back after the 26-year-old posted a .204 average and .673 OPS in the minors last season. Another good sign is after he struggled in Triple-A during a short stint earlier this season, his second call-up has been much better. He is 14-for-53 and 5-for-11 over his last three games.

As for left-handed relief pitcher Nate Lavender, he has built upon an extremely successful 2021-22 season. So far this year he owns a 2.08 ERA across 26 Double-A and Triple-A innings. He has struck out a staggering 43 batters across these appearances. This is after posting a 1.70 ERA and 67 strikeouts across 47 2/3 Single-A and High-A innings last season.

This year is just more straight-line progression for the 23-year-old who was drafted in the 14th round of the 2021 MLB Draft. Certainly an intriguing bullpen arm who may be in the major leagues sooner rather than later.

Jose Peroza. Photo by Ed Delany of MMO

Double-A (Binghamton): Matt Rudick and Jose Peroza

Outfielder Matt Rudick has broken out in a big way at the Double-A level this season. Through 201 at-bats, he owns a slash line of .289/.435/.478 which is good for an OPS of .912. He has clubbed nine home runs and have driven in 31. This is a large improvement on a so-so year last season where he posted a .710 OPS across four levels in the Mets’ system.

Unfortunately, an injury has disrupted his season as he is currently on the injured list. When he does come back, it will be interesting to see if he can continue his development and improve on his wRC+ that leads all qualified Mets’ minor leaguers (46 total).

Like Rudick, Jose Peroza has one of the best OPS marks in the organization. Through 214 at-bats he owns a slash line of .294/.387/.519 which is good for a .905 OPS. He has hit 10 home runs to go along with 43 RBIs. His wRC+ of 139 is fifth among the 46 qualified hitters in the Mets’ minor league system.

Peroza, 23 years old, had a pretty strong season last year with High-A Brooklyn posting an above average .755 OPS. He can play anywhere in the infield and will hopefully earn a call-up to Triple-A in the near future.

Tyler Stuart. Photo by Ed Delany of Metsmerized

High-A (Brooklyn): Tyler Stuart and Stanley Consuegra

Tyler Stuart has been one of the best starting pitchers in the organization this season. He has spent all season with High-A Brooklyn making 13 starts. Over these starts, he has thrown 69 2/3 innings allowing only 52 hits while striking out 79. He has posted a starling 1.42 ERA. His xFIP of 3.37, still a very strong number, ranks seventh in the organization among 96 pitchers who have thrown at least 10 innings.

This is Stuart’s first full, interrupted season since his last year of college. Hopefully, he can continue this strong development as the 23-year-old is still very early into his professional career.

Stanley Consuegra has been in the Mets’ organization since he was 17 years old. The now 22-year-old has a .785 OPS across 155 at-bats with Brooklyn (High-A) this season. His 108 wRC+ ranks 19th among 82 hitters in the Mets’ system who have at least 50 plate appearances.

The raw power is there, as Consuegra hit 13 home runs across three levels last season. He has yet to really explode yet, but possesses all the tools to do so.

Jacob Reimer. Photo by Ed Delany, MMO

Single-A (St. Lucie): Jacob Reimer and Wilfredo Lara

Jacob Reimer was drafted by the Mets in the fourth round of the 2022 MLB Draft. He got 23 at-bats in the Florida Complex League right after he was drafted and posted an OPS of .892.

In a full season so far this year, he owns a slash line of .279/.400/.386 good for an OPS just a shade under .800 at .786. As you can see, Reimer has walked a ton so far this year with St. Lucie (Single-A) resulting in that terrific .400 OBP.

Like a few others on this list, Reimer’s season has been interrupted due to injury as he is currently on the injured list. However, it has been a great start to his professional career for the third baseman who can also play first. When his power starts to come (only a .386 SLG this season) he may emerge as a very strong prospect in the Mets’ system.

Wilfredo Lara has spent the past three seasons in the Mets’ organization and is by far turning in his best year. He currently owns a .789 OPS with nine home runs as a 19-year-old. These nine home runs rank fifth in all of the Florida State League. Further, his 113 wRC+ ranks 18th among the 82 hitters in the Mets’ system with at least 50 plate appearances.

The five-foot-10, 180 pound shortstop still has a long road to go in his development. However, his performances this year have been one of the few bright spots for a St. Lucie (Single-A) team that has struggled mightily.

Note, all statistics of July 1 before the games commenced. 

The post Identifying Two Intriguing Mets’ Prospects At Each Minor League Level appeared first on Metsmerized.

DJ Stewart. Photo by Richard Nelson

Triple-A

Syracuse Mets (24-38) 13, Lehigh Valley IronPigs (32-29) 8

BOX SCORE

• RF DJ Stewart: 3-for-3, 3 R, 2B, HR, 2 RBI, 2 BB, .230/.368/.547
• LF Carlos Cortes: 3-for-4, 3 R, 2B, HR, RBI, BB, .255/.341/.441
• 3B Nick Meyer: 2-for-5, 2 R, HR, 3 RBI, K, .204/.301/.286

The Mets had a huge game offensively on Sunday afternoon: eight of their 13 hits went for extra bases, including four home runs, and they went an impressive 6-for-16 with runners in scoring position. Stewart reached base five times in this game and is hitting an incredible .375/.484/.958 for the month of June. He has six home runs in his last 11 games, and his 1.459 OPS over the last 15 days ranks second in the International League during that span. Cortes has also seen major improvements in his offensive performance so far in June: he is hitting .320/.419/.680 so far this month. Meyer had only the second start of his career at third base after starting one game there last season.

• RHP Alex Valverde (2-2, 6.17 ERA) 3.0 IP, 9 H, 8 ER, 2 BB, 3 K
• RHP Eric Orze (1-2, 7.11 ERA) 2.0 IP, 2 H, BB, 5 K
• RHP Hunter Parsons (W, 1-0, 0.00 ERA) 2.0 IP, 2 H, 2 K

Valverde gave up a career-high eight runs on Sunday. His 6.17 ERA would be the worst of his career if the season ended today. After finishing May with an ERA of 9.00 over 12.0 innings and then having a two-week layoff, Orze started off June with one of his best appearances of the season. He struck out a season-high five batters and did not give up a run for the first time since May 10. Parsons has not given up an earned run or walked a batter over his first four Triple-A appearances.

Luke Ritter. Photo by Rick Nelson

Double-A

Binghamton Rumble Ponies (28-28) 8, Reading Fightin Phils (21-35) 6

BOX SCORE

• DH Luke Ritter: 3-for-4, 4 R, 3 HR, 4 RBI, BB, K, .240/.389/.568
• 2B Rowdey Jordan: 2-for-5, 3 R, 2 HR, 2 RBI, .230/.356/.418
• 3B José Peroza: 1-for-5, R, 2B, K, .297/.383/.551

Ritter and Jordan both had incredible games on Sunday afternoon, as both hit multiple home runs. It was Ritter’s third multiple-homer game in the last two weeks, and he has a 1.411 OPS over that span. For the season, he is third in the Eastern League in home runs and fourth in OPS. Jordan is hitting .310/.459/.586 so far in June.

• RHP Junior Santos (3-4, 5.83 ERA) 3.0 IP, 2 H, 3 K
• LHP Tyler Thomas (W, 1-0, 0.00 ERA) 2.0 IP, H, 3 K
• RHP Nolan Clenney (0-0, 4.76 ERA) 1.1 IP, 2 K

Santos had a strong abbreviated start, needing just 37 pitches to get through three innings. After struggling with walks earlier in the season, he has walked just two batters over his last 17.0 innings pitched. Thomas was very impressive in his organizational debut, striking out three batters and allowing only one batter to reach base over two innings. Clenney has not given up a run in three straight appearances.

High-A

Brooklyn Cyclones (24-32) 5, Greenville Drive (32-25) 4

BOX SCORE

• C Kevin Parada: 3-for-4, R, RBI, .255/.342/.401
• SS William Lugo: 1-for-4, R, HR, 2 RBI, .195/.283/.305
• CF Alex Ramírez: 0-for-2, 2 BB, 2 K, .250/.341/.378

The Cyclones were held to just a single run for the first six innings of Sunday’s game and entered the seventh inning trailing 4-1. They came closer with a two-run homer by César Berbesi and eventually took the lead on Lugo’s eighth-inning home run. Parada had his second three-hit performance in his last four games. Ramírez is hitting .233/.343/.467 so far in June.

• RHP Blade Tidwell (2-3, 4.89 ERA) 4.0 IP, 4 H, 2 ER, 4 BB, 10 K
• RHP Robert Colina (1-2, 4.50 ERA) 2.0 IP, 4 H, 2 ER, BB
• RHP Wilkin Ramos (W, 3-1, 1.88 ERA) 3.0 IP, H, 3 K

It was a very typical start for Tidwell: he walked a batter per inning, struck out over twice that number, and got through only four innings because he threw 91 pitches. Tidwell’s 14 K/9 shows how electric he can be, but he has also walked 33 batters in 38 2/3 innings pitched, which has led to a high ERA and fewer than four innings per start. Ramos has given up just one earned run in seven innings pitched so far in June.

Felipe De La Cruz, Photo by Ed Delany of Metsmerized

 Low-A

Daytona Tortugas (24-33) 8, St. Lucie Mets (19-37) 5

BOX SCORE

• CF Wilfredo Lara: 2-for-4, 2 R, HR, RBI, BB, K, CS, .244/.299/.463
• DH Vincent Perozo: 2-for-4, 2 R, RBI, .252/.331/.409
• RF Yeral Martinez: 1-for-3, 2 RBI, BB, K, .214/.288/.393

The Mets were held without a run for the first four innings of Sunday’s game before they scored their first run on a José Hernández groundout in the fifth inning. Lara then added another run with a home run in the sixth inning. The homer left his bat at 100.8 MPH and traveled 369 feet. After hitting just three home runs total over the last two seasons, Lara has already hit seven in just 34 games this season. Perozo is 6-for-16 with two home runs and a double over his last four games.

• LHP Felipe De La Cruz (2-4, 4.41 ERA) 1.0 IP, K
• RHP Jawilme Ramirez (L, 2-3, 4.31 ERA) 4.2 IP, 7 H, 5 R, 4 ER, 2 BB, 6 K
• RHP Bailey Reid (0-0, 0.00 ERA) 1.0 IP, 2 K

De La Cruz served as an opener in this game and tossed a perfect inning. He averaged 94 MPH on his fastball and had a 60% whiff rate on the pitch. Ramirez struggled mightily for a second straight start; he has a 10.80 ERA in June and has seen his ERA balloon from 2.95 to 4.31 over that span. Reid was strong in his St. Lucie debut and displayed very high spin rates on all of his pitches. His one curveball had a spin rate of 3084 RPM.

The post Mets Minors Recap: Luke Ritter Hits Three Home Runs for Binghamton appeared first on Metsmerized.

Danny Mendick. Photo by Richard Nelson

Triple-A

Game 1

Lehigh Valley IronPigs (31-28) 5, Syracuse Mets (23-37) 1

BOX SCORE

• 3B Danny Mendick: 2-for-4, 2B, RBI (27) (.732 OPS)
• 2B Ronny Mauricio: 1-for-4, K (.884 OPS)
• DH Carlos Cortes: 2-for-3, 2B, K (.731 OPS)
• CF Tanner Murphy: 2-for-3, 2B, K (.733 OPS)
• 1B Tyler White: 1-for-4, K (.758 OPS)

The Mets only managed one run in Game 1 and it came on an RBI single from Mendick in the bottom of the second. Murphy had a multi-hit game and is 3-for-7 in the two games that he has appeared in since being promoted to Syracuse on June 6.

• RHP José Butto (1-2, 6.37 ERA): 5 IP, 2 ER, 4 H, 4 BB, 3 K (51 of 87 pitches for strikes)
• LHP Nate Lavender (3.27): 1 IP, 0 ER, 1 H, BB, K (10 of 17 pitches for strikes)
• RHP Vinny Nittoli (4.37): 1 IP, 3 ER, 3 H, BB, K (11 of 20 pitches for strikes)

In Game 1, Butto had his fourth start of the year in which he walked four batters or more. None of the walks led to any runs, but the lone mistake he made came in the third when Jake Cave hit a two-run home run.

Game 2

Lehigh Valley IronPigs (32-28) 8, Syracuse Mets (23-38) 5

BOX SCORE

• 3B Danny Mendick: 2-for-4, RBI (28)
• 2B Ronny Mauricio: 1-for-4, RBI (35), K
• RF DJ Stewart: 1-for-3, R, HR (12), 2 RBIs (27), K (.856 OPS)
• LF Carlos Cortes: 1-for-3, R
• C Michael Perez: 0-for-2, RBI (8), BB (.577 OPS)

Even though the Mets fell behind 4-0 before they came to the plate, they found a way to rally to score five runs in the first two innings. However, the offense stopped after that. The only extra-base hit for Syracuse was the two-run home run by Stewart in the first. It is his third home run in the last five games.

Mendick had two hits in each game of the doubleheader, including an RBI single in the second inning. He has recorded a hit in five consecutive games.

• LHP David Peterson (4.68): 2/3 IP, 4 R (2 ER), 2 H, 3 BB, 2 K (19 of 39 pitches for strikes)
• RHP William Woods (8.82): 2 1/3 IP, 0 ER, 1 H, 2 K (16 of 20 pitches for strikes)
• RHP Dennis Santana (1-1, 3.86): 2 IP, 3 ER, 3 H, BB, 4 K (26 of 37 pitches for strikes)
• RHP Grant Hartwig (4.18): 2 IP, 1 ER, 3 H, BB, 4 K (25 of 43 pitches for strikes)

While the four Syracuse pitchers combined for 12 strikeouts in Game 2, the story was Peterson not being able to get out of the first inning. After getting the first two outs via swinging strikeouts, he allowed the next six batters to reach base and made a throwing error that allowed one of the four runs to score. In his four starts with the Triple-A club, Peterson has 14 walks to go with 25 strikeouts.

Jose Peroza. Photo by Ed Delany of MMO

Double-A

 Game 1

Binghamton Rumble Ponies (26-28) 4, Reading Fightin’ Phils (21-33) 1 (8 innings)

BOX SCORE

• CF Matt Rudick: 1-for-3, R, HR (9), 3 RBIs (31), BB, K (.973 OPS)
• 3B Jose Peroza: 1-for-3, 2B, K (.944 OPS)
• LF Luke Ritter: 1-for-4, R, 3 K (.878 OPS)
• DH Brandon Mcllwain: 0-for-2, RBI (28), K (.709 OPS)

The Rumble Ponies did not have a hit for the first six innings of Game 1, but they found a way to tie it in the seventh thanks to a single by Ritter, a double by Peroza (12^th of the year), and a sacrifice fly by Mcllwain.

In extra innings, Rudick delivered the big blow with a three-run home run, his second in the last four games.

• RHP Dominic Hamel (4.96): 6 IP, 1 ER, 3 H, 3 BB, 9 K, HBP (55 of 87 pitches for strikes)
• RHP Trey McLoughlin (1-0, 3.00): 2 IP, 0 ER, 0 H, 1 K (13 of 18 pitches for strikes)

In a no-decision, Hamel ended up reaching a new season-high with his nine strikeouts. It’s the most the 24-year-old has had in a game since he recorded 10 on July 16, 2022 with Brooklyn. The right-hander did have three walks with two of them coming in the fourth (one came around to score on an RBI single). Still, Hamel ended up recording his longest outing of the year.

Game 2

Binghamton Rumble Ponies (27-28) 8, Reading Fightin’ Phils (21-34) 5 (8 Innings)

BOX SCORE

• 3B Jose Peroza: 3-for-4, 2 R, HR (8), 4 RBIs (32)
• RF Rowdey Jordan: 2-for-3, 2 R, BB, K (.736 OPS)
• CF Brandon Mcllwain: 1-for-4, 2B, 2 RBIs (30)
• 2B Luke Ritter: 1-for-3, 2 R, RBI (26), BB, 2 K
• C Hayden Senger: 1-for-2, RBI (11), BB, K (.590 OPS)
• LF Matt Rudick: 0-for-4, R, K

Peroza was the star of Game 2 as he started the scoring for Binghamton with a home run in the top of the second. It was his fourth game this year in which he recorded three hits or more.

The Rumble Ponies scored four in the sixth to erase a 5-1 deficit thanks to a Peroza RBI single, a Mcllwain RBI double, and a sacrifice fly by Senger. In extra innings, Binghamton pulled ahead on an RBI single by Ritter and a two-run double by Peroza.

• RHP Mike Vasil (3.71): 5 IP, 5 ER, 8 H, 2 BB, 3 K (56 of 76 pitches for strikes)
• RHP Justin Courtney (1-3, 5.09 ERA): 2 IP, 0 ER, 1 H (11 of 19 pitches for strikes)
• RHP Marcel Renteria (1^st save, 5.09 ERA): 1 IP, 0 ER, 0 H, K (10 of 13 pitches for strikes)

The five runs that Vasil allowed in Game 2 were the second-most he has allowed in any start this year (6 against Richmond on May 24). In his last three starts, the 23-year-old has allowed a total of four home runs. Courtney was able to shut down Reading in the final two innings in order to send it to the eighth.

Jaylen Palmer. Photo by Ed Delany of MMO

High-A

 Game 1

Greenville Drive (31-24) 9, Brooklyn Cyclones (23-31) 2

BOX SCORE

• RF Omar De Los Santos: 1-for-3, R, 2B, RBI (18) (.553 OPS)
• LF Jaylen Palmer: 1-for-2, RBI (16), BB (.565 OPS)
• CF Alex Ramírez: 0-for-3, K (.720 OPS)
• C Kevin Parada: 0-for-2, R, BB, K (.729 OPS)
• 2B D’Andre Smith: 1-for-3, 2 K (.664 OPS)
• SS Cesar Berbesi: 1-for-3, 2 K (.595 OPS)

The Cyclones scored both of their runs in the first inning and managed only two hits the rest of the game. De Los Santos drove in the first run of the game with a double (10^th of the year) and it was followed up by an RBI single by Palmer.

• RHP Jeffrey Colon (1-3, 5.75): 5 1/3 IP, 3 R (1 ER), 4 H, 3 BB, 4 K (51 of 84 pitches for strikes)
• RHP Jace Beck (4.02): 1 1/3 IP, 4 R (1 ER), 0 H, 4 BB, 3 K, WP (21 of 43 pitches for strikes)
• RHP Kolby Kubichek (6.75): 1/3 IP, 2 R (0 ER), 1 H, 2 WP (9 of 14 pitches for strikes)

The trio of Cyclones pitchers combined to allow five hits, but the defense was sloppy with five errors (two of them by Colon). Colon has pitched into the sixth inning in each of his last three starts. However, he has eight walks in his last three outings. He walked two batters in the second that resulted in Greenville putting up three runs.

Game 2

Greenville Drive (32-24) 2, Brooklyn Cyclones (23-32) 1 (8 Innings)

BOX SCORE

• C Drake Osborn: 1-for-3, R, HR (4), RBI (10), K (.595 OPS)
• 2B Chase Estep: 1-for-3, K (.637 OPS)
• 3B William Lugo: 1-for-3 (.566 OPS)
• CF Alex Ramírez: 0-for-3, K

The only extra-base hit for the Cyclones in Game 2 was the solo home run by Osborn that tied the game at one in the fourth. He has homered in each of the last two games that he has appeared in.

• RHP Tyler Stuart (1.47): 5 IP, 1 ER, 4 H, BB, 9 K, HBP (55 of 89 pitches for stirkes)
• RHP Dylan Tebrake (1.88): 2 IP, 0 ER, 0 H, BB, 4 K (22 of 38 pitches for strikes)
• LHP Joshua Cornielly (1-2, 4.09): 1 IP, 1 R, 2 H, K, WP, Balk (14 of 24 pitches strikes)

Stuart’s success with the Cyclones continued Saturday as the lone run he allowed was an RBI double by Tyler Miller in the first. The 23-year-old allowed two doubles in the first inning and settled in from there. His nine strikeouts tied a season-high (May 2 against Aberdeen) and he has still yet to allow more than two earned runs in any start this year.

In relief, Tebrake extended his scoreless streak to seven consecutive outings (11 1/3 innings).

 Low-A

St. Lucie Mets (19-36) 8, Daytona Tortugas (23-33) 2

BOX SCORE

• DH Junior Tilien: 3-for-4, 2 R, 2 HR (5), 3 RBIs (24), BB, K (.727 OPS)
• C Vincent Perozo: 2-for-5, R, HR (3), 3 RBIs (15), 2 K (.733 OPS)
• 3B Jacob Reimer: 2-for-2, 2 R, 2 2B, 2 BB, HBP (.754 OPS)
• LF Rhylan Thomas: 2-for-4, R, HR (1), 2 RBIs (8) (.769 OPS)
• 1B Yeral Martinez: 1-for-5, R, 2B, K (.675 OPS)
• SS Jett Williams: 0-for-5, K (.702 OPS)

Tilien had a career-day at the plate as the 20-year-old had the third multi-home run game of his professional career. He had a two-run home run in the bottom of the first and a solo shot in the fifth. The designated hitter has recorded at least one hit in seven of the last nine games.

Tillen’s second home run of the game was part of a five-run fifth inning where the Mets hit three home runs. Perozo’s two-run home run in the inning was his second in the last three games and Thomas added his first home run of the year two batters later.

On a non-homer note, Reimer extended his hit streak to eight with a pair of doubles (.400/.512/.543 in 35 at-bats this month).

• RHP Stephen Ridings (4.50): 1 IP, 0 ER, 0 H, K (10 of 15 pitches for strikes)
• RHP Eric Foggo (11.57): 1 IP, 0 ER, 0 H (9 of 16 pitches for strikes)
• RHP Jordany Ventura (3-1, 5.21): 4 2/3 IP, 2 R (1 ER), 2 H, 3 BB, 6 K, 2 WP, Balk, HBP, pitch timer volation (47 of 84 pitches for strikes)
• RHP Christopher Vasquez (3.30): 2 1/3 IP, 0 ER, 1 H, BB, K (18 of 28 pitches for strikes)

Ridings recorded his first strikeout in the Mets organization during his second rehab appearance with St. Lucie. According to Baseball Savant, he was averaging 93.8 miles-per-hour with his fastball and got eight swings and misses on the 15 pitches he threw.

Ventura picked up the win in relief as he had six or more strikeouts for the third time this year. Even in the win, he did walk three or more batters for the fourth straight outing.

Rookie

DSL Mets Blue (3-2) 3, DSL Arizona Red (1-4) 0

BOX SCORE

• CF Justin Ramirez: 1-for-3, R, HR (2), RBI (2), K (.838 OPS)
• RF Jostyn Almonte: 1-for-2, BB (.830 OPS)
• LF Jonathan Perez: 1-for-1, R, 2 BB (2.000 OPS)
• C Jose Marcano: 1-for-3, R (.500 OPS)

The Mets’ offense had only four hits in Game 1, but their lone extra-base hit was a big one as Justin Ramirez hit a solo shot in the bottom of the fifth. The 18-year-old only has four hits in five games, but all of them have gone for extra bases (two doubles, two home runs)

•  RHP Wellington Aracena (0.00): 2 1/3 IP, 0 ER, 3 H, 2 BB, 2 K, WP
• RHP Irving Cota (1-0, 0.00): 2 2/3 IP, 0 ER, 1 H, 4 K
• RHP Carlos Brito (1at save, 0.00): 2 IP, 0 ER, 1 H, 3 BB, 3 K

Three Mets pitchers conbined for a five-hit shutout against the D-Backs red squad led by Aracena, who has six strikeouts in his first two outings (5 1/3 Innings pitched). Cota ended up having four strikeouts in his professional debut and Brito picked up the save after not recording a single out in his first outing of the year on June 6 (4 ER, 2 H, 2 BB).

 DSL Mets Orange (3-2) 5, DSL Cardinals (3-2) 2 

BOX SCORE

•  DH Julio Zayas: 3-for-4, 2 R, 2 HR (2), 3 RBIs (7) (1.625 OPS)
• C Arnaldo Montano: 1-for-3, R, 2 RBIs (2) (.666 OPS)
• 1B Lewis Castillo: 1-for-3 (.664 OPS)
• 2B Keiver Garcia: 1-for-2, R, BB (.594 OPS)
• CF Heriberto Rincon: 1-for-2, R, BB (.764 OPS)

Zayas stole the show for the orange squad as he hit a solo home run in the top of the first and in the sixth. The 17-year-old has seven RBIs in the first four games of his young career and his second home run of the day tied the game at two. Montano put them ahead with a two-run single in the seventh.

• RHP Edgar Moreta (0.00): 3 IP, 0 ER, 1 H, BB, 6 K, WP
• LHP Misael Lopez (3.00): 1 IP, 1 ER, 0 H, BB, 2 K, 2 HBP, WP
• RHP Patricio Trinidad (13.50): 2/3 IP, 1 ER, 1 H, BB, K, WP
• LHP Arlison Rodriguez (1-0, 2.08: 2 1/3 IP, 0 ER, 0 H, 3 K

Four Mets’ pitchers combined to strike out 12 Cardinals hitters in this one with Moreta leading the way. The 19-year-old has allowed one hit in each of his first two professional outings (seven innings).

Rodriguez ended up getting the win in relief as the 20-year-old southpaw struck out three of the last five batters he faced and threw a 1-2-3 seventh to secure the win.

The post Mets Minors Recap: José Peroza Impresses Once Again In Binghamton Sweep appeared first on Metsmerized.

Ronny Mauricio, Photo by James Farrance

Triple-A

Rochester Red Wings (24-27) 6, Syracuse Mets (20-33) 1
BOX SCORE

• SS Ronny Mauricio: 2-for-4 (.948 OPS)
• C Omar Narváez: 2-for-4, 2B, K (.804 OPS)
• 3B Jonathan Araúz: 2-for-4 (.709 OPS)
• C Nick Meyer: 1-for-1, RBI (7) (.602 OPS)

The Mets were not shut out on Wednesday because of a pinch-hit RBI single by Meyer in the top of the 9th. Nevertheless, Mauricio was able to extend his hit streak to 10 games and his on-base streak to 20 games, capping off an excellent month of May:

Here are Ronny Mauricio's numbers for the month of May:

40-for-109 (.367), 14 2B, 3B, HR, 17 RBI@Metsmerized @SyracuseMets #Mets #LGM

— Mathew Brownstein (@MBrownstein89) May 31, 2023

• LHP Joey Lucchesi (3-1, 2.76 ERA): 5 IP, 5 R (4 ER), 6 H, 4 BB, 5 K (50 of 92 pitches for strikes)
• RHP Dylan Hall (0.00): 2 IP, 0 ER, 3 H, BB (20 of 36 pitches for strikes)
• RHP John Curtiss (7.84): 1 IP, 1 ER, 2 H, BB, K (16 of 24 pitches for strikes)

It was a rough afternoon for Lucchesi as the left-hander allowed three home runs over the course of his five innings of work. On Wednesday, Hall made his first appearance at Triple-A since April 23 after being called back up to Syracuse on Tuesday.

Double-A

Altoona Curve (23-22) 4, Binghamton Rumble Ponies (23-23) 3 in 10 innings
BOX SCORE

• 3B Jose Peroza: 2-for-4, R, HR (6), 3 RBIs (26), K (.951 OPS)
• LF Matt Rudick: 2-for-4, R, SB, BB, (1.013 OPS)
• 1B Luke Ritter: 1-for-4, 2 K (.802 OPS)

The Rumble Ponies were about to be shut out on Wednesday until Peroza hit a game-tying three-run home run in the top of the 9th. He has recorded multiple hits in four of the last five games. As for Rudick, he just keeps hitting as he picked up his 13th multi-hit game of the season.

Game-tying three-run blast off the bat of Jose Peroza! 👏 pic.twitter.com/7P5XTjUg3d

— Mets Player Development (@MetsPlayerDev) June 1, 2023

• RHP Jose Chacin (4.71 ERA): 5 1/3 IP, 3 ER, 6 H, 3 BB, 3 K (60 of 92 pitches for strikes)
• RHP Sammy Tavarez (3.38): 1 2/3 IP, 0 ER, 3 H, BB, 2 K (20 of 31 pitches for strikes)
• RHP Justin Courtney (5.40): 2 IP, 0 ER, 1 H, 2 BB, 2 K (18 of 31 pitches for strikes)
• RHP Daison Acosta (2-1, 8.10): 2/3 IP, 1 R, 0 H (3 of 4 pitches for strikes)

In this start, Chacin went at least five innings for the fourth time in his last five starts and he has allowed three runs or fewer in four consecutive outings. Altoona scored all three of their runs against the right-hander via a solo home run in the fourth and a two-run home run in the sixth.

High-A

Game 1
Jersey Shore BlueClaws (23-21) 9, Brooklyn Cyclones (20-24) 3
BOX SCORE

• SS William Lugo: 1-for-3, R, HR (1), 2 RBIs (5), K (.617 OPS)
• C Kevin Parada: 1-for-3, 2 K
• RF Omar De Los Santos: 1-for-3, 2B, K (.530 OPS)
• 3B Mateo Gil: 1-for-3, R, HR (4) RBI (12), K
• CF Alex Ramírez: 0-for-3, R, BB, K

The Cyclones got on the board first in Game 1 thanks to a two-run home run by Lugo as he picked up his first home run of the season. The other RBI came on a solo shot by Gil in the fourth.

William Lugo sends one to the berm! 💥 pic.twitter.com/cNSCCARoFM

— Mets Player Development (@MetsPlayerDev) May 31, 2023

• RHP Cameron Foster (2-4, 5.59): 5 2/3 IP, 9 ER, 12 H, 2 BB, 5 K (64 of 95 pitches for strikes)
• RHP Benito Garcia (1.80): 1/3 IP (3 of 5 pitches for strikes)

The troubler for Foster came in the third as the BlueClaws ended up scoring six of their nine runs in that inning. The 24-year-old had only allowed a combined five runs in his four prior starts in May.

Game 2
Jersey Shore BlueClaws (24-21) 5, Brooklyn Cyclones (20-25) 0
BOX SCORE

• 2B Mateo Gil: 2-for-3, 2B, K (.695 OPS)
• DH Kevin Parada: 1-for-3 (.749 OPS)
• CF Alex Ramírez: 0-for-2, BB, K (.702 OPS)

In Game 2, the Cyclones had only three hits and they combined to strike out 11 times against four Blue Claws pitchers. Parada had a hit in both games of the doubleheader and he extended his hit streak to five games. His 25 hits were the most on the Cyclones in May.

• RHP Joander Suarez (1-4, 7.50): 3 IP, 2 ER, 6 H, 4 BB, 3 K, WP (38 of 68 pitches for strikes)
• RHP Paul Gervase (0.93): 2 IP, 1 ER, 1 H, BB, 2 K, WP, HBP (21 of 42 pitches for strikes)
• RHP Manny Rodriguez (3.38): 1 IP, 2 ER, 1 H, BB, K (15 of 29 pitches for strikes)

In the loss, Suarez surrendered four free passes and it is the third time in his last five starts that he has walked four or more batters. As a team, the Cyclones pitchers had as many walks as strikeouts (6) in the defeat.

Low-A

The St. Lucie Mets (13-32) had their game against the Fort Myers Mighty Mussels (26-20) postponed due to rain. They will makeup the game as part of a doubleheader on Friday, June 2.

The post Mets Minors Recap: Ronny Mauricio Caps May With Multi-Hit Game appeared first on Metsmerized.

Jose Peroza, Photo by Ed Delany of MMO

José Peroza is a name that any Mets fan may if they are familiar with the minor league system. Peroza has been in the Mets system since 2017 and was named Eastern League Player of the Week last week, which included a three home run performance. He has a .924 OPS to start the season in Double-A after beginning the season on the injured list and was ranked as the preseason best defensive infielder in the Mets system per Baseball America. He has been on the top 30 prospect lists throughout his career and has always been a streaky player, but to be a mainstay in the Mets lineup he will need to find consistency and success against both lefties and righties.

Let’s take a deeper dive into Peroza’s profile.

Short-Term Goal: Get Into Better Counts vs. RHP

He has had above average wRC+ numbers for each of his last three seasons in the minor leagues, which also included a 91st percentile swing rate on the first pitch. His walk rates were around average with high strikeout rates, and he is average at how hard he hits the ball and how frequently he hits it hard.

His swing rates and swing rates in the zone in general are also above the 90th percentile, indicating a trigger happy approach. Generally, this isn’t necessarily a bad thing so long as his strikeout-to-walk percentage isn’t too high. His results against right-handed pitchers, however, are poor, and this aggressive approach may be one of the reasons why. If he can improve his walk number and reduce strikeout numbers against righties, he will be much easier to palate as a future weapon in. Another important point about getting into better counts is that he will be able to take more aggressive swings and sit on pitches in those leverage counts as opposed to mis-hitting first pitch strikes.

Long-Term Goals: Improve Platoon Splits

Continuing on from his approach against RHPs, he needs to improve overall results. His success against lefties is impressive as he had a 96th percentile rate of exit velocities over 95 mph vs. southpaws. His rate of balls batted at over 95 mph at greater than a 12 degree angle (remember: you don’t want to be hitting the ball hard on the ground) was in the 93rd percentile in 2022, showing that he also had plenty of slugging potential against lefties.

His results against RHP are on the other side of the coin at 20th and 22nd percentiles, respectively. So far this year, his results have drastically improved against RHPs. Where he still falls short is his strikeout percentage against RHPs, which currently sits at 35%. His high chase and miss rates to start the season despite great batted ball results indicate a lack of two strike approach, so adjusting his swing to put the ball in play could be a solution there. His swings against righties to start the season are clearly improved. However, he should take less swings early in counts and look to reduce two strike misses. He is definitely on the right track in swing development and the next adjustment is likely more approach driven.

Summary

Peroza’s defense is impressive, especially on the difficult plays. He’s above average at making plays with 0%, 1-10%, 20-40%, and 60-90% chances of being made. He can still improve at the routine play, but that likely has to do with his below average range. That is likely an easier skill to continue developing than his talent.

He also has talent in regards to his swing, hitting balls hard at a high rate, and if he can reduce his strikeout percentage, then he seems to be on a great path to hitting well against both RHP and LHPs going forward. Improving his walk rate before getting to the show will really help his chances of staying there, but his start to the 2023 season has made him a relevant prospect and one to keep an eye on for trades this summer as the Mets have loaded infield depth at or near MLB readiness.

The post Dissecting José Peroza’s Promising Start appeared first on Metsmerized.

Jose Peroza, Photo by Ed Delany of MMO

Jose Peroza continued his excellent month with 10 hits and a home run in Brooklyn’s six-game sweep.

Triple-A Syracuse

Syracuse dropped four of six to the Worcester Red Sox, falling to 52-71 on the year.

Dominic Smith had another solid series going 6-for-22 with a double. Smith is now batting .279/.380/.434 through 129 Triple-A at-bats.

We were down 3-2@TheRealSmith2_
We are up 4-3

Baseball is awesome pic.twitter.com/sKFPs4kWdr

— Syracuse Mets (@SyracuseMets) August 27, 2022

Mark Vientos had five hits, including a double and his 23rd home run of the season. Vientos now has a .903 OPS on the year.

Francisco Álvarez went 2-for-3 with a home run and three RBIs in Tuesday’s contest before missing the remainder of the series with an ankle injury. Álvarez, who is still awaiting the results of an MRI, was slashing .180/.340/.378 with six home runs in 111 at-bats since his promotion to Triple-A.

It was another shaky week for pitchers in Syracuse. Jose Butto allowed three runs on seven hits and three walks in his first start in Triple-A since his one-game stint in the majors.

Jose Rodriguez was the lone met to deliver a solid outing in the series allowing just a run on three hits while striking out four in five innings. The 27-year-old right-hander is 1-3 with a 5.93 ERA this season.

Double-A Binghamton

It was a far more positive week in Binghamton as the Rumble Ponies took five of six from the Reading Fightin Phils as they improve to 48-71 on the year.

Ronny Mauricio lead the Binghamton offense this week going 8-for-22 with a double and his 24th home run of the year. The 21-year-old shortstop also stole a pair of bases to bring his total to 17 on the year.

Mauricio has had a strong August, slashing .279/.292/.490 with six home runs in 104 at-bats. His slash line now sits at .256/.291/.478 for the season.

Mauricio is mashing. 💪

He hit his 24th homer of the season yesterday for @RumblePoniesBB. pic.twitter.com/XTUW6xuTz4

— Mets Player Development (@MetsPlayerDev) August 29, 2022

Carlos Cortes had a huge series as well with eight hits, including a double, triple, and a home run, in 24 at-bats. Cortes, a third-round pick in 2018, is now batting .252/.329/.420 with eight home runs in Binghamton.

Another solid night for @loscortes_14. 👀

He had a pair of hits for @RumbleponiesBB, including this triple. pic.twitter.com/oP7zu3CTnn

— Mets Player Development (@MetsPlayerDev) August 28, 2022

Jake Mangum also returned from a two-month stint on the injured list with a home run and a stolen base in the series. Luke Ritter would also add two homers and two steals.

On the mound, Garrison Bryant and Jose Chacin each delivered a quality start. Each allowed two runs over six innings. Bryant struck out three while Chacin K’d seven. Chacin has allowed just two runs in each of his last two starts, allowing 10 hits while issuing just one walk in that span (12 innings).

High-A Brooklyn

The Cyclones outdid the Rumble Ponies by sweeping a six-game set from the Jersey Shore BlueClaws capped by an 18-1 victory on Sunday. Brooklyn is now 62-58.

Jose Peroza continued his recent tear with a 10-for-25 series including a double and his seventh home run of the year. Peroza is now 32-for-85 in August with a 1.034 OPS boosting his line to .261/.349/.391 on the year.

JT Schwartz also picked up 10 hits, including his fifth home run, in 27 at-bats. Shervyen Newton also had his best series so far in Brooklyn, going 9-for-23 with three doubles, three home runs, and 10 RBIs. The 23-year-old infielder is still slashing just .197/.298/.334 with seven home runs through 290 at-bats in High-A.

Three games in Jersey Shore this week.
Three home runs for Shervyen Newton. 💣💣💣

Brooklyn leads 8-5 as we head to the 9th in Lakewood.#amazinstartshere #LGM pic.twitter.com/bqXalCNYT6

— Brooklyn Cyclones (@BKCyclones) August 26, 2022

Alex Ramirez went 8-for-27 in the series with five doubles. Ramirez is now batting .267/.321/.433 with five homers in 180 at-bats in Brooklyn. Stanley Consuegra went 7-for-25 with a double, two home runs, and eighth RBIs.

Stanley Consuegra goes PLAKATA for his fifth Cyclones home run to push the lead to 5-0.#AmazinStartsHere #MiLB pic.twitter.com/KMGrA3FQpx

— Brooklyn Cyclones (@BKCyclones) August 28, 2022

Keyshawn Askew didn’t allow a run in his two starts (6 2/3 total innings), allowing three hits and five walks while punching out nine. In 19 2/3 innings since his promotion to Brooklyn, Askew has a 3.66 ERA with 28 strikeouts.

Luis Moreno logged a win and a quality start allowing two runs on four hits and a walk while striking out five. Junior Santos delivered a strong outing as well logging eight strikeouts over 5 2/3 innings and allowing three runs (just two earned) on three hits and two walks.

Low-A St. Lucie

St. Lucie dropped four of five to the Palm Beach Cardinals, falling to 67-51 on the year.

D’Andre Smith, the Mets’ fifth-round pick out of USC, had a big series in his professional debut going 6-for-15 with two doubles, a triple, and a stolen base.

D'Andre Smith smacks one into left field for an RBI triple, then the E6 to send home Smith and give us the W… Welcome to St. Lucie! pic.twitter.com/DrPGBO2OUk

— St. Lucie Mets (@stluciemets) August 25, 2022

Omar De Los Santos stole another four bases to give him a staggering 67 on the year.

Organizational Leaders

Batting

AVG – Brett Baty (SYR) – .315

OPS – Brett Baty – .943

HR – Daniel Palka (SYR) – 25

SB – Omar De Los Santos (SLU) – 67

Pitching (min. 20 innings)

ERA – Stephen Nogosek (SYR) – 1.09

SO – Dominic Hamel (BRK) – 128

WHIP – Stephen Nogosek (SYR) – 0.88

Players of the Week

Offensive – Jose Peroza, 3B, Brooklyn

There were multiple players on the Cyclones who could have qualified here but Peroza stood out with 10 hits and a home run in the Cyclones’ sweep, as he boosted his slash line to .376/.481/.553 in August.

Peroza, the Mets’  No. 22 ranked prospect according to Baseball America, had a solid 2021 season slashing .253/.365/.421 between St. Lucie and Brooklyn. While Peroza doesn’t have any standout tools, he’s shown an ability to hit for moderate average and power thanks to an advanced approach and a strong frame.

Peroza should see time in the upper levels of the Mets’ system in 2023 as he looks to climb the organization’s depth chart. He’s an average fielder at best, and likely profiles best at first base long term, so Peroza will need to prove that his bat can eventually carry him to the majors.

Pitching – Jose Chacin, RHP, Binghamton

After getting off to an excellent start in Brooklyn, Chacin struggled in his first two months with the Rumble Ponies. However, the 25-year-old right-hander seemed to turn a corner this month, as he’s now allowed just six earned runs over his last 19 innings. Chacin recorded 19 strikeouts in that span while issuing just a single walk.

Chacin may not be an incredibly exciting pitching prospect but his advanced command and track record of success in the lower levels makes him worth noting in an organization that lacks pitching depth. If Chacin can build on his recent improvements, he may eventually prove to be a swing option for a major league team.

Upcoming Schedule – August 30-September 4

Triple-A Syracuse – @ Scranton/Wilkes-Barre

Double-A Binghamton – vs. Somerset

High-A Brooklyn – vs. Wilmington

Low-A St. Lucie – vs. Jupiter

The post Mets Minors Weekly Recap: Jose Peroza Keeps Hitting appeared first on Metsmerized.

Jose Peroza, Photo by Ed Delany of MMO

Triple-A: Worcester Red Sox (62-59) 12, Syracuse Mets (51-70) 8 Box Score

• 1B Dominic Smith: 2-for-4, R, BB, K, .287/.379/.451
• 3B Mark Vientos: 1-for-4, 2B, 2 R, 2 RBI, BB, K, .292/.368/.549
• LF Khalil Lee: 2-for-4, 2B, R, RBI, BB, K, .207/.324/.379

Syracuse jumped out to an early 3-0 lead in the first inning and led 3-1 heading into the seventh inning before Mets pitching allowed 11 runs en route to a wild 12-8 loss.

Mark Vientos answered with a two-run double in the bottom of the seventh. Vientos extended his hitting streak to 11 games and is now slashing an outstanding .403/.448/.661 with four home runs in 62 at-bats in August.

Dom Smith logged another multi-hit game and is now 5-for-15 in the series. Khalil Lee also picked up two hits, including a double.

• RHP Jose Rodriguez: 5.0 IP, ER, 3 H, 2 BB, 4 K, 5.93 ERA
• LHP Josh Walker: (L, 0-2) 1.1 IP, 4 ER, 2 H, 3 BB, 3 K, 7.94 ERA
• RHP Michel Otanez: 1.0 IP, 2 ER, 2 H, 5 BB, K, 7.94 ERA

Jose Rodriguez was solid in Friday’s start allowing just a run on three hits in five innings. Josh Walker delivered a clean sixth inning in relief, striking out three, but opened the floodgates in the seventh by walking three. Walker would eventually be charged with four earned runs while R.J. Alvarez, Bryce Montes de Oca, and Michel Otanez allowed another seven. Overall, Mets pitching issued eight walks in the inning.

Double-A: Binghamton Rumble Ponies (46-71) 3, Reading Fightin Phils (53-65) 1 Box Score

• LF Carlos Cortes: 1-for-5, HR (8), 2 RBI, K, .252/.327/.417
• SS Ronny Mauricio: 1-for-5, 2 K, CS, .254/.287/.469
• 3B Luke Ritter: 2-for-5, 2B, 2 K, .223/.328/.403

The Rumble Ponies scored three runs on nine hits in Friday’s victory over the Reading Fightin Phils.

Binghamton opened the scoring with a Jeremy Vasquez RBI groundout in the fourth inning. Carlos Cortes would extend the lead with a tw0-run home run in the fifth, proving to be the difference in the win. Cortes has been hot of late with hits in eight-straight games, going 12-for-32 with two homers in that span.

• RHP Alex Valverde: (W, 2-6) 5.2 IP, 4 H, 4 BB, 2 K, 5.73 ERA
• RHP Joe Zanghi: 1.1 IP, ER, H, BB, 3 K, 2.86 ERA
• RHP Manuel Alvarez: SV (1), 2.0 IP, H, 3 K, 8.91 ERA

Alex Valverde earned the win with 5.2 scoreless innings, scattering four hits and four walks while punching out two. The win is Valverde’s first since May 11.

Manuel Alvarez earned his first save in his second appearance with Binghamton after he was signed as a free agent earlier this week. The 6-foot-3, 225 LB right-hander struck out three while allowing just a hit in two innings. Alvarez was 2-3 with a 9.70 ERA and 33 strikeouts in 30.1 innings with the Akron RubberDucks, Cleveland’s Double-A affiliate.

High-A: Brooklyn Cyclones (60-58) 7, Jersey Shore BlueClaws (44-74) 5 Box Score

• 2B Jose Peroza: 1-for-4, HR (7), 2 RBI, BB, 2 K, .260/.348/.393
• 1B JT Schwartz: 2-for-5, 2 2B, R, .263/.350/.393
• SS Jaylen Palmer: 1-for-3, HR (9), 2 R, 3 RBI, BB, K, SB (22)

The Cyclones scored seven runs, all in the first three innings, on eight hits as they held on for a 7-5 victory.

Jose Peroza delivered the keynote with a two-run home run in the first inning. The 22-year-old infielder has been tremendous this month slashing .385/.490/.577 in 78 at-bats including a current 12-for-25 stretch. Stanley Consuegra would drive in another run in the first with a base hit following a JT Schwartz double.

Jaylen Palmer would push Brooklyn’s lead to 7-0 with a three-run home run in the third inning. Palmer would also add his 22nd stolen base in the contest.

• RHP Luis Moreno: (W, 2-7) 6.0 IP, 2 ER, 4 H, BB, 5 K, 3.29 ERA
• RHP Trey McLoughlin: SV (1), 3.0 IP, 3 ER, 2 H, BB, 3 K, 3.68 ERA

Luis Moreno delivered a strong performance allowing two runs on four hits over six innings while striking out five to earn his second win of the year.

Trey McLoughlin allowed a three-run home run in the seventh to cut Brooklyn’s lead to just two runs. However, the 23-year-old righthander would shut the BlueClaws down from there, not allowing a hit in the eighth or ninth innings to earn his first save with the Cyclones.

Low-A: St Lucie (67-49) vs. Palm Beach (58-57) – Postponed to Saturday (Wet Grounds)

The post Mets Minors Recap: Jose Peroza Homers in Brooklyn Victory appeared first on Metsmerized.

Jose Peroza, Photo by Ed Delany of MMO

While the major league Mets were busy cruising to yet another impressive win on Saturday night, things were not so auspicious down on the farm. All four Mets minor league affiliates lost their outings on Saturday, mainly due to poor hitting performances across the board.

AAA: Rochester Red Wings (30-17) 8, Syracuse Mets (15-30) 0  Box Score

• Jake Mangum CF: 1-for-4, .450/.500/.600
• Nick Dini C: 1-for-3, K, .232/.358/.482
• Khalil Lee RF: 0-for-3, BB, 3 K, .190/.315/.298

It was a night to forget for Syracuse, as their offense consisted of just two singles, a walk, and a hit-by-pitch. Mangum had one of the two hits for Syracuse as he continues his red-hot May. He is hitting .395/.459/.526 for the month. Mark Vientos was out of the lineup for Saturday’s game.

• LHP Mike Montgomery (L, 0-6, 7.07 ERA) 4.1 IP, 6 H, 6 R, 5 ER, 3 BB, 5 K
• RHP Justin Dillon (0-0, 3.45 ERA) 1.2 IP, 2 H, ER, BB, 4 K
• RHP Antonio Santos (1-0, 8.49 ERA) 1.0 IP, 3 H, ER

Montgomery’s rough May continued on Saturday when he allowed six runs before getting pulled in the fifth inning. After a strong April, the lefty has an 11.09 ERA for the month. Key to his struggles is a significant decline in control. After walking just one batter in April, Montgomery has walked thirteen batters in just 18 2/3rd May innings.

AA: Reading Fightin’ Phils (19-25) 11, Binghamton Rumble Ponies (15-28) 2  Box Score

• Jeremy Vasquez 1B: 2-for-4, 2 2B, .220/.301/.347
• Ronny Mauricio SS: 0-for-4, 2 K, .253/.283/.456
• Francisco Álvarez DH: 0-for-4, 3 K, .252/.331/.463

The Rumble Ponies’ offense could not get anything going in Saturday’s game. They had just four hits and went 1-for-8 with runners in scoring position. Mauricio has found himself in a bit of a mini-slump over the last four games. He is 2-for-17 in that span, although both hits were doubles. Álvarez has busted out of his slump over the past few games, but he still struggles with strikeouts from time-to-time. His 26.6% strikeout rate would be the highest of his career if maintained over a full season.

• RHP Jesus Vargas (L, 0-2, 11.57 ERA) 4.0 IP, 8 H, 6 ER
• RHP Willy Taveras (1-2, 3.97 ERA) 2.0 IP, 2 H, 2 ER, 3 K
• RHP Kevin Gadea (0-1, 9.00 ERA) 2.0 IP, 3 H, 3 ER, 2 BB, K

Every pitcher for the Rumble Ponies allowed multiple runs in Saturday’s game. Vargas was dominant in Brooklyn to start the season but now has had back-to-back six-run outings to begin his tenure in Binghamton.

A+: Bowling Green Hot Rods (26-17) 9, Brooklyn Cyclones (19-22) 8  Box Score

• Rowdey Jordan CF: 2-for-4, R, RBI, BB, .257/.362/.400
• Nic Gaddis 3B: 1-for-4, 2 R, HR, RBI, BB, 2 K, .211/.294/.326
• Jose Peroza 2B: 1-for-3, R, HR, 2 RBI, BB, .224/.300/.316

The Cyclones’ overall offensive line looks a bit better than their performance actually merited. This considering that they got plenty of help from three Bowling Green errors, two of which brought home a run. Even so, after being shut out for the first six innings, coming back to tie the game at eight in the ninth was still quite impressive and exciting.

Gaddis’ eighth-inning solo home run was his first of the year. After a surprisingly dreadful April, the bat-first Peroza has shown major signs of life in May. He is hitting .304/.396/.457 for the month.

• RHP Junior Santos (1-4, 5.29 ERA) 4.0 IP, 5 H, 5 R, 4 ER, 2 BB, K
• RHP Reyson Santos (0-0, 7.98 ERA) 1.0 IP, H, K
• RHP Justin Courtney (L, 2-1, 4.60 ERA) 0.0 IP, H, ER

After a rough April, Junior Santos had started to look much better in May prior to this start. He allowed just four total earned runs across four May starts. This start, however, was a significant step backwards. The five runs allowed were the most he has given up in any start this season. Courtney’s second pitch of his appearance was launched over the fence for a walk-off home run.

A: Dunedin Blue Jays (20-24) 3, St. Lucie Mets (28-16) 0  Box Score

• Carlos Dominguez RF: 2-for-3, BB, K, .242/.301/.485
• William Lugo SS: 2-for-4, 2B, .264/.331/.421
• Alex Ramirez CF: 0-for-3, BB, 2 K, SB, .327/.365/.488

As seemed to be a theme among Mets’ affiliates on Saturday night, St. Lucie’s offense struggled mightily and could not push across a single run. Dominguez and Lugo were the only two players with hits in the game.

Lugo is hitting .300/.371/.450 in May. Ramirez, for the first time all season, has found himself in somewhat of a slump. After only having five hitless games in his first 33 games of the season, Ramirez has been hitless five more times over the last seven games.

• RHP Robert Colina (L, 0-1, 2.25 ERA) 5.1 IP, 3 H, 2 ER, BB, 4 K
• RHP Dedniel Núñez (0-0, 0.00 ERA) 1.2 IP, H, 2 K
• RHP Nick MacDonald (0-1, 10.80 ERA) 1.0 IP, 2 H, ER, BB

Colina has been very good through his first three starts of the season. He has given up no more than two runs in any single start and has a 12:2 K:BB ratio over 12.0 innings pitched. It is great to see Núñez back pitching with the Mets after being claimed by the Giants in the Rule 5 draft and undergoing Tommy John surgery.

The post Mets Minors Recap: Mets Affiliates Swept On Saturday Night appeared first on Metsmerized.

Photo by Allen Greene Photography

Columbus Clippers (9-3) 4, Syracuse Mets (1-10) 3  Box Score

• Khalil Lee CF: 1-for-2, 2 BB, .103/.235/.138
• Patrick Mazeika 1B: 2-for-3, R, BB, .226/.333/.226
• Travis Blankenhorn 2B: 1-for-5, R, HR, 2 RBI, K, .233/.258/.533

Despite only recording six hits, the Mets’ offense had plenty of opportunities in Sunday’s game, but they went 1-for-11 with runners in scoring position. Following a phenomenal 2021 season, Lee has struggled to start 2022, but he reached base three times in this game and has had a hit in the last three games. Interestingly, he had predominantly played center field this year when he was mostly in right field last year, although this may be because there is no other clear option in center on the current roster. Blankenhorn has had an impressive power surge to start the season as he now has three home runs in the first seven games of the year. Mark Vientos was hitless with four strikeouts.

• LHP Mike Montgomery (L, 0-2, 3.00 ERA) 4.2 IP, 6 H, 3 R, 2 ER, 5 K
• RHP Colin Holderman (0-0, 1.93 ERA) 1.1 IP, H, ER, BB, KÁ
• RHP Stephen Nogosek (0-0, 1.69 ERA) 1.0 IP

The Mets have only won one of their first eleven games, and the pitching staff is mostly to blame for this. They have the worst ERA in the league and have allowed 7.3 runs per game. In this context, only allowing four runs feels like a victory, even if that wasn’t the game’s ultimate result. Montgomery continues to have a solid season with Syracuse; he has an excellent 12:1 K: BB ratio through 12 innings pitched. Holderman gave up his first run of the season on a sixth-inning home run. Nogosek has struck out seven batters without walking anyone over 5.1 innings to start the season.

Binghamton Rumble Ponies (3-5) 9, Bowie Baysox (4-4) 6  Box Score

• Francisco Álvarez DH: 2-for-5, 2 R, 2B, HR, 2 RBI, 3 K, .375/.429/1.000
• Brett Baty 3B: 1-for-3, BB, K, .400/.419/.667
• Ronny Mauricio SS: 0-for-4, 2 K, .276/.323/.483

The Rumble Ponies’ offense only had one run through the first four innings but would explode for eight more runs over the final four offensive frames of the game. Six of the team’s ten hits in Sunday’s game went for extra bases, including home runs by Álvarez, Jake Mangum, and Luke Ritter. With two extra-base hits in this game, Álvarez’s power numbers in the early days of the season are indeed something to behold. He has only played six games, but seven of his nine hits have gone for extra bases, and his four home runs rank him second in the league. Perhaps the only minor issue one could take with the early part of his season is that he has struck out 25% of the time. Baty’s performance has been lost a bit in the hype, but even with an unsustainable .550 BABIP, he has been fantastic.

Francisco Álvarez hit his fourth home run of the year.

No idea how he muscled this one out. #Mets pic.twitter.com/bKoRqsEWJQ

— Jacob Resnick (@Jacob_Resnick) April 17, 2022

• RHP Alec Kisena (1-0, 4.26 ERA) 1.1 IP, 3 H, 2 ER, BB, 3 K
• RHP Brian Metoyer (1-0, 3.38 ERA) 1.0 IP, BB, 3 K
• RHP Bryce Montes de Oca (0-0, 0.00 ERA) 1.0 IP, K

Kisena started on Sunday, and while he did allow several baserunners and threw 39 pitches before exiting, it was not immediately clear why he was removed from the game. He had two runners on in the second but had not yet allowed a run to score. It may have just been a pitch count issue, or it could have been due to injury. Montes de Oca has not allowed a single hit over the four innings he has pitched this year. The sample size is too small to make much of his improved control, but it is good to see his walk rate drop from 7.2 to 4.5 BB/9 while his strikeout rate has increased.

Brooklyn Cyclones (6-3) 6, Jersey Shore BlueClaws (1-8) 1  Box Score

• Brandon McIlwain RF: 1-for-3, R, HR, RBI, BB, K, .353/.450/.647
• Tanner Murphy LF: 1-for-3, 3B, RBI, K, .222/.200/.444
• Jose Peroza 2B: 2-for-3, 2 R, RBI, K, .192/.214/.192

Everyone contributed to the Cyclones’ win on Sunday: each player in the lineup reached base at least once, and the team’s ten hits were spread out among seven different players. McIlwain has emerged from being a relatively obscure minor league free agent signing a year ago to now becoming the early star for the Cyclones. He has had success getting hits and stealing bases over the first week of the season but flashed his power for the first time with a big home run to left field to get the Cyclones on the board in the second inning.

B-Mac said B-Gone to this baseball. Brandon McIlwain’s first home run of the year gives Brooklyn a 1-0 lead in the bottom of the 2nd here on Coney Island.#AmazinStartsHere #MiLB pic.twitter.com/6WvAUOM0R6

— Brooklyn Cyclones (@BKCyclones) April 17, 2022

• RHP Carlos Ocampo (0-1, 8.10 ERA) 3.0 IP, R, 5 BB, 2 K
• RHP Garrison Bryant (W, 1-0, 3.18 ERA) 2.0 IP, H, BB, K
• RHP Josh Hejka (0-0, 0.00 ERA) 1.0 IP, H, 2 K

A week after a disastrous first start of the season, in which he was knocked out of the game in the first inning, Ocampo was unhittable over three innings on Sunday. While not allowing a hit is an improvement, Ocampo was plagued by walks during his outing, and just half of his 56 pitches were strikes. Hejka has looked strong over the first week of the season, striking out five and walking none over three scoreless innings.

St. Lucie Mets (7-2) 5, Clearwater Threshers (1-8) 4  Box Score

• Alex Ramirez CF: 1-for-4, RBI, K, .485/.528/.697
• Stanley Consuegra LF: 2-for-4, R, 2B, RBI, 2 K, .333/.389/.424
• William Lugo DH: 2-for-4, R, HR, RBI, 2 K, .250/.357/.458

Home runs by Lugo, and Omar De Los Santos powered the Mets to victory on Sunday. Lugo has struggled with strikeouts throughout his career, and despite his solid slash line so far, he has still struck out in exactly half (14 of 28) of his plate appearances. On the other hand, Ramirez struggled with strikeouts last year but has dramatically improved in that category this year. He has struck out in just 13.9% of his plate appearances in 2022. He also has an eight-game hitting streak, having recorded a hit in each game he has played this season. Consuegra has also impressed so far, even though his well-regarded power has not shown up yet outside of a few doubles, including one on Sunday.

• RHP Calvin Ziegler (0-1, 3.86 ERA) 3.1 IP, H, ER, 2 BB, 7 K
• RHP Carson Seymour (W, 1-0, 0.00 ERA) 1.0 IP, 2 K
• LHP Nathan Lavender (S, 1-0, 0.00 ERA) 2.0 IP, 4 K

2021 draft picks Ziegler, Seymour, and Lavender shone in Sunday’s game for St. Lucie. Ziegler, picked in the second round of last year’s draft, was nearly flawless in his second start of the year. His lone blemish came on a home run in the fourth inning, against the last batter he would face before coming out of the game with 60 pitches. He struck out rehabbing major leaguer Odubel Herrera twice in his start. Seymour’s first appearance of the season was a four-inning start, but he was much more dominant in his single-inning appearance on Sunday. He only needed eight pitches to strike out two batters and finish a perfect inning. Lavender followed with two perfect innings himself, in which he threw 19 of 22 pitches for strikes.

The post MMN Recap: Álvarez Blasts Fourth Home Run Of The Season appeared first on Metsmerized.