The Mets managed to pull off a nail-biter win against the Marlins in 16 innings. Just about every Met had a meaningful moment in the game but none had a bigger game than Travis d’Arnaud.
Travis went 4 for 6 last night including some huge hits. The first came in the second inning when the Marlins were up 4-0 after a Marcell Ozuna grand slam. The Mets had the bases loaded and one out with Robert Gsellman on deck. In a big early spot, the Mets had a chance to either chip away at the Marlins lead, or make a huge dent in it. d’Arnaud cleared the bases on a three-run triple.
In the eighth inning with two outs and Michael Conforto on deck, d’Arnaud stepped in with a chance to extend the inning for Conforto’s hot bat. He singled up the middle off David Phelps and flew around the bases moments later on Conforto’s game-tying double.
After catching 15 innings, d’Arnaud led off the 16th with a no-doubt home run that turned into the game winner.
Travis spent the winter as the subject of skepticism and criticism from Mets fans due to his poor play in 2016. He also spent the late part of July as the subject of trade rumors involving former Brewers catcher, Jonathan Lucroy.
Last season was a lost one for the Mets backstop. He slashed .247/.307/.323 in 75 games combined with only four home runs and a 74 wRC+. Many speculate d’Arnaud’s struggles were due to his shoulder injury which can kill a hitter’s extra base power.
This season has been a completely different story for Travis after spending the winter with Kevin Long and Glenn Sherlock. So far in ten games, d’Arnaud has a .333/.438/.704 slash line with a 198 wRC+ and a .471 wOBA. It is clear that Travis is a much different hitter this season likely due to a fully healthy shoulder. This is the same catcher who had a 130 wRC+ in 2015 and a 123 wRC+ in the second-half of 2014.
The first 10 games have been exceedingly optimistic and remind the Mets and their fans of the 2015 Travis d’Arnaud. It appears Sandy Alderson is getting rewarded for his patience.
