The New York Mets, most likely thrown off by a nearly two hour long weather delay, fell to the Cincinnati Reds 6-1.
Black storm clouds surrounded Citi Field as Jason Vargas took the mound in the first inning of the game. Some may have seen this as an ominous sign, and others see black storm clouds every time Vargas takes the hill. Vargas struggled out of the gate, allowing three runs in a third of an inning. Of course, had there been no thunder and lightning, Vargas would have obviously pitched longer. The process of getting warmed up, cooling off and sitting during a delay, and then getting on the mound again would prove to be too much for the Mets.
With Vargas recording only one out, the bullpen was forced into to crisis and forced to make up 8.2 innings of the game. Paul Sewald came in first, and showed some consistency in his 1.2 innings of work, including three strikeouts. His teammate and next guy in line, Bobby Wahl would not have the same result. Wahl struggled with his command, with his lowlight coming in the form of a two run home run given up to Phillip Irvin.
Tyler Bashlor, Drew Smith, and Jacob Rhame then each almost tossed two shutout innings each, an impressive showing from the group of younger relievers. The only blemish was a solo home run by former Met Dilson Herrera off of Rhame. My Gut Reaction is that with a lot of openings in this bullpen, these guys should see more similar opportunities in the coming days like they saw tonight, and they will thrive in them.
There wasn’t much cooking at the offensive side of the dish, as the Mets were held to a mere four hits. The only run to cross for them was when Brandon Nimmo was driven in by Jose Bautista. It was just one of those slow offensive games that have just gone on to make this season extra hellish.
The Mets will be right back in action tomorrow afternoon at 12:05 pm, when they will have to make a quick turn-around in order to try and beat the Reds. They will send the best pitcher in the National League, Jacob deGrom, to face Robert Stephenson.
Congratulations to Big Sexy on becoming the winningest Latin American pitcher in MLB history. Somehow I think old Bart would have come out to pitch after the rain delay. I’m just grateful we can buy out Vargas’ contract for 2 million next year and not have to witness this garbage again.
Sorry, I believe that Vargas’ contract is guaranteed next year with a club option for 2020.
He needs to be banished.
These bad contracts are killing our team.
You just unmade my day. Then I would DFA him ASAP. This isn’t a bump In the road. Since mid 2017 he has an ERA over 7. If I were in his situation I would have demanded to have the chance than to throw more than 14 pitches last night. I’d love to know Sandy’s rationale in signing him.
I only saw a little bit of last night’s game, right when they came back from the rain delay. Darling was quite surprised when Vargas didn’t come back out. I was glad that he didn’t and hoped it was a message from Callaway that he was on a short leash. Callaway’s comments regarding Vargas have all been positive, rah-rah stuff but he has to say that. Actions speak louder than words.
Later, it seemed Gary Cohen was all but begging for Vargas to be moved to the pen. I’m right there with you, Gary.
Vargas – 47.1 IP, 8.75 ERA.
Last year the Mets called up Chris Flexen and in nine starts he had a 7.78 ERA. Vargas has been significantly worse than that. In Mets history, no pitcher who threw at least 40 innings in a season has been worse than Vargas. The Mets have lost 90 or more games 20 times in franchise history, including six times where they lost 100 games. And Vargas has been the worst.
Yeah, let’s keep starting him.