Even after a promising ninth inning rally, the Mets fell to the Arizona Diamond backs 7-4. This drops the team’s record down to a lowly (54-70). While it may seem as if this is just another loss, there was a big positive in the ninth. First, we will address the starting pitching. Starter Tommy Milone went 4.2 innings and allowed 6 runs, five of them earned. Over that span, he walked one and struck out five. His record dropped to (1-3) after tonight’s game.
For the Mets, the offensive tank was nearly empty until the ninth inning. The only run up until then was provided by an Amed Rosario solo shot. Asdrubal Cabrera and Yoenis Cespedes started the ninth inning off with back to back singles, bring Dom Smith to the plate in a pinch-hitting situation. He delivered, driving a double to the gap. Later in the inning, Rosario again delivered with an RBI triple. Watching Smith and Rosario deliver clutch hits in the game was nothing but encouraging for the fans and organization. If at bats and hits like those continue, my Gut Reaction is that they will be able to be known as more reliable hitters on the team, rather than promising rookies. Cespedes went 3-3, and Gavin Cecchini also had a hit in the game.
Out of the bullpen, Kevin Mcgowan went 1.1 innings, and was credited with an earned run. Robles walked the bases loaded, but stayed in to pitch three full innings of relief, striking out one over that stretch. Tomorrow the Mets will try to salvage the final game of the series, sending Chris Flexen to the mound at 7:10.
Last night was an opportunity to see Nimmo face a left hander. In theory, he is a platoon partner with Lagares in center field in 2018. Instead we saw Reynolds, who no one pencils in as a starter in 2018, play right field for the first time. Left handed at bats for Nimmo should have been a priority. On the same theme, Smith should be resting only once a week and getting at bats vs LHP. I have never read or expected that Smith will be our platoon first baseman in 2018.
The use of Hansel Robles has changed. Recently he has become a 2-3 inning relief pitcher and has pitched effectively. Multi inning, second tier, middle relief should avoid burning out a bullpen. It is a trend that the Mets should also incorporate in 2018 for the “starters” that don’t make the rotation.
Nimmo did get a late AB vs. LHP and it was pretty brutal. Ended up in a squibbler.
When he ran really hard to 1B I thought, “Well, this must make the Cespedes bashers really happy to see.”
Not half the talent, but look at him try!
I don’t believe Nimmo can hit LHP. But, yes, agreed, absurd to see Reynolds in the game. We know — it has long been established — that he can’t play.
Mets being Mets.
I will now share the crazy thought that popped into my head last night, as Robles worked into his 3rd inning: Could this guy be a starter? I can’t quite dismiss it as totally crazy. But at same time, like that he’s been used for longer stretches and could be valuable in the pen. Trend-wise, we’ve seen that with Sewald, too. And stupid Neil Ramirez. Needs to become part of games that are close and winnable, not just in the blowout losses.
Is it really possible that TC will manage next year?