Travis d’Arnaud had a nightmare of a game for the New York Mets as they were defeated by the Arizona Diamondbacks by a score of 5-3 Tuesday night.
Whether it be the D-Backs running at will against Travis or his inability to hit, it was a game to forget for the Mets backstop. D’Arnaud looks like a player constantly overmatched when in the field and at the plate as of late.
Five stolen bases by the last place team from the NL West helped to do the Mets in on Tuesday. Travis was not close to throwing out any of them and they continued to take advantage of it through the night. So far he has allowed 42 stolen bases this year and has thrown out just nine.
At the plate, he had an 0-for-3 night while being pinch-hit for in the ninth. Terry Collins felt that Ty Kelly gave the Mets a better chance to get something going instead of his once reliable offensive catcher.
“I did want that shot, but I’ve got to play better,” d’Arnaud said. “Terry made the right decision, and whatever he chooses to do, I support. I’ve just got to keep working hard, and soon I’ll get out of this funk.” (MLB.com)
Soon may not come on the Mets as they have placed d’Arnaud on waivers with a willingness to move him. It has been obvious based on the recent grumblings from the deadline that this team may have seen enough of their catcher.
Over his last 14 games he is hitting to a .222/.250/.296 slash line with one homer and two RBI. He has been unable to get it going this year on a team that depends on his offense for success.
“It’s very hard because [d’Arnaud]’s a guy who is a big part of our lineup,” Collins said.. “We’ve got to get him going. He’s far better than a .230 hitter. We’ve got to get him and Michael (Conforto) going. Last year in the World Series, those guys hit five and six [or] sixth and seventh for us. They were a big part of our offense. If we’re going to get anything, they’ve got to be a part of it.” (ESPN)
Overall on the season in just 45 games played, he is hitting to a .234/.278/.323 slash with just three homers and 11 RBI. It has been a year of regression for d’Arnaud, whether it be due to injuries or otherwise, he needs to turn it around. The stolen bases need to be addressed as teams are running on him without any challenge.
