With about two weeks left before Opening Day, the New York Mets took on the Houston Astros on Saturday at West Palm Beach. Michael Tonkin got the start on this day. So far in Spring Training, Tonkin had thrown 3 1/3 innings in three games. He hasn’t allowed a run, struck out three, and given up only two hits in these three games. Tonkin would be up against the likes of José Altuve and Kyle Tucker to try and keep his streak of no runs allowed.
Tonkin’s impressive performance against Houston kept his ERA at 0.00 after two shutout innings of work. Despite giving up one hit and one walk, Tonkin’s solid pitching contributed to New York’s 6-1 victory over the Astros. Of his two strikeouts, the most notable was getting Altuve swinging to kick off the bottom of the first inning. Tonkin’s ability to strike out Shay Whitcomb and force Altuve to ground out further solidified his case for the 40-man roster in the bullpen.
Photo by Ed Delany of Metsmerized
Tyrone Power
When the Mets acquired center fielder Tyrone Taylor in a trade with the Milwaukee Brewers, his defensive prowess was the primary focus. However, Taylor’s power-hitting skills have been a pleasant surprise. He has consistently hit ten or more home runs in the past three years, including a career-high 17 in 2022. This power makes him a valuable option off the bench. Against Houston, Taylor showcased his power by hitting his first home run of the Spring off pitcher J.P. France. This was his eighth hit of the spring, and he entered the game with a .333 batting average. Taylor’s two walks and a sacrifice fly, almost resulting in a second home run, demonstrated his potential impact on the team.
Notes
With the game tied at one a-piece in the top of the fourth, Yolmer Sánchez stepped up to the plate with the bases loaded and hit a clutch bases-clearing double into the left-center field gap. Sánchez advanced to third on a throwing error, which gave New York a 4-1 lead. It was Sánchez’s second hit of the game and his second double. While Mark Vientos has displayed his power ability this Spring, the batting average leaves a lot to be desired, and Saturday could have been a better one for the Mets designated hitter. Vientos struck out four times on this day. Jake Diekman continued his up-and-down Spring Training by giving up three walks and an earned run in his one inning while striking out two. His ERA is now up to 3.60.
Player Of The Game: Michael Tonkin
Tonkin’s scoreless Spring Training continued on Saturday as is his case to make the roster in the bullpen. After Shintaro Fujinami‘s bad outing on Friday, which continued his up-and-down Spring Training, Tonkin has stated his claim to be in the Mets bullpen. To work on his command, Fujinami might have to start the season in the minor leagues. Tonkin has allowed two walks this preseason, while Fujinami allowed three on Friday night. Fujinami has potential with his stuff, but his command leaves much to be desired. Tonkin is a veteran showing what he could do for the Mets.
On Deck
It’s a split-squad Sunday for the Mets. A part of the Mets will play the Washington Nationals in West Palm Beach at 1:05 p.m. ET. Tylor Megill will take the mound for New York against Washington. Another part of the Mets will return home in Port St. Lucie to face the Miami Marlins at 1:10 p.m. ET. José Quintana is scheduled to start for the Mets. The game will be televised locally on WPIX.
