Category: New York Mets
Lineups & Game Notes: Mets vs. Pirates 7:05 pm et.
New York Mets (31-26):
1. Alejandro De Aza (L) RF
2. Michael Conforto (L) LF
3. Yoenis Cespedes (R) CF
4. Neil Walker (S) 2B
5. James Loney (L) 1B
6. Asdrubal Cabrera (S) SS
7. Ty Kelly (S) 3B
8. Rene Rivera (R) C
9. Noah Syndergaard (L) P
SP: Noah Syndergaard RHP (6-2, 1.91 ERA)
Pittsburgh Pirates (32-26):
1. John Jaso (L) 1B
2. Andrew McCutchen (R) CF
3. Gregory Polanco (L) LF
4. Jung Ho Kang (R) 3B
5. Josh Harrison (R) 2B
6. Francisco Cervelli (R) C
7. Matt Joyce (L) RF
8. Sean Rodriguez (R) SS
9. Jameson Taillon (R) P
SP: Jameson Taillon RHP (ML debut)
Tonight’s game can be seen on SNY.
Game Notes:
METS-PIRATES NOTES: The Mets are 2-10 in their last 12 games at PNC Park…New York is 21-29 all-time at PNC, which opened in 2001…The Mets have lost nine straight games to the Pirates dating back to June 29, 2014, the nine consecutive losses is the most in team history to Pittsburgh…The Mets were swept twice by the Pirates last year, May 22-25, at PNC Park and August 14-16 at Citi Field.
OFFENSIVE OFFENSE: New York has scored two or fewer runs in seven of its last 10 games…The Mets have scored two runs in their last 27 innings.
FOUR IS THE KEY: The Mets are 23-5 when they score four or more runs and 8-21 when they score three or fewer.
STRONG PITCHING: The Mets rank second in the majors with a 3.15 team ERA…The staff has allowed the fewest homers (43) and has issued 137 walks, tied for the fewest in the majors…New York has 497 strikeouts, ranking eighth in the majors.
MIGHTY THOR: Syndergaard is third in the majors with a 1.91 ERA, behind Clayton Kershaw (1.46) and Jake Arrieta (1.80)… He is second in the majors with 11.5 strikeouts per nine innings behind Jose Fernandez (13.3) and third in the majors with 1.3 walks per nine innings…Syndergaard is sixth in the majors with 90 strikeouts and seventh in the majors with a 1.90 ERA at night.
ROAD WARRIOR: Syndergaard is 4-1 with a 1.85 ERA in five road starts this year…His 1.85 road ERA ranks seventh in the National League…He has allowed two or fewer runs in each of the five starts.
FLAMETHROWER: According to FanGraphs, Syndergaard averages the fastest fastball (98.1), slider (91.5) and change-up (89.9) this year.
THOR VS. PIRATES: Has faced Pittsburgh once in his career, his third career start on May 22, 2015…Went 6 innings giving up four runs, one earned, on six hits…Struck out five and walked none…Was his second career loss…Had his first career hit off of Gerrit Cole (singled to right field in the sixth inning).
Mets acquire Kelly Johnson
The New York Mets acquired utility player Kelly Johnson from the Atlanta Braves and cash considerations in exchange for right-handed pitcher Akeel Morris.
With the Mets offense struggling and numerous injuries depleting the lineup, GM Sandy Alderson felt the need to make a move to strengthen the 25-man roster. Johnson had been previously acquired last July along with Juan Uribe from the Atlanta Braves, and both players played a role in helping the Mets reach last year’s World Series.
Johnson isn’t having his best statistical season however, as he is only hitting .215 with one home run and ten RBI’s in 49 games. You can only hope that a change of scenery will help the 34-year old Johnson get back on track. Johnson can play a number of different positions for the Mets and his versatility will be welcomed all over the diamond. Johnson is currently playing on a one-year $2 million deal he signed with the Braves in the offseason.
The 23-year old right-handed pitcher Akeel Morris, was recently ranked as the 16th best prospect in the Mets system by MLB.com. While Morris has had solid numbers over his six previous minor league seasons, he has struggled this season at Double-A posting a 4.62 ERA in 22 appearances. Morris has predominately been a reliever in the Mets system and one would think he would continue that trek in the Braves system.
Mets drop two in a row, swept by Pirates.
The New York Mets (31-26) were swept in a doubleheader today by the Pittsburgh Pirates (32-26) with both games ending in the result of 3-1. The Mets have now dropped nine straight games to the Pirates and will look to avoid being swept by the Pirates tomorrow evening for the third series in a row. Continue reading
Lineups & Game Notes: Mets vs. Pirates (Game 1) 4:05 pm et.
New York Mets (31-24):
1. Curtis Granderson (L) RF
2. Asdrubal Cabrera (S) SS
3. Yoenis Cespedes (R) CF
4. Neil Walker (S) 2B
5. Wilmer Flores (R) 3B
6. James Loney (L) 1B
7. Michael Conforto (L) LF
8. Rene Rivera (R) C
9. Steven Matz (R) P
SP: Steven Matz LHP (7-1, 2.60 ERA)
Pittsburgh Pirates (30-26):
1. Josh Harrison (R) 2B
2. Andrew McCutchen (R) CF
3. David Freese (R) 1B
4. Jung Ho Kang (R) 3B
5. Starling Marte (R) LF
6. Francisco Cervelli (R) C
7. Gregory Polanco (L) RF
8. Jordy Mercer (R) SS
9. Jonathon Niese (L) P
SP: Jon Niese LHP (5-2, 4.36 ERA)
Today’s game can be seen on SNY.
Game Notes:
METS-PIRATES NOTES: The Mets are 2-8 in their last 10 games at PNC Park…New York is 21-27 all-time at PNC, which opened in 2001…The Mets went 0-6 vs. the Pirates last year… It was the first time in team history they were swept in a season series by Pittsburgh…New York has lost seven straight to the Pirates dating back to June 29, 2014.
DOUBLEHEADER NOTES: The last time the Mets played the Pirates in a doubleheader was September 19, 2004 in Pittsburgh… The Mets lost both games, losing Game 1, 1-0 and falling in Game 2, 6-1…The last time the Mets swept a doubleheader from the Pirates was July 30, 1996, winning 5-4 in Game 1 and 4-3 in Game 2…The Mets played one doubleheader last year, losing both games (3-1 & 2-0) to Washington on October 3 at Citi Field.
FOUR OR MORE: The Mets are 23-5 when they score four or more runs and 8-19 when they score three or fewer.
HOMECOMING: Pittsburgh native and member of the Pirates from 2009-2015, Neil Walker returns to PNC Park tonight… Walker hit .279 with 83 doubles, 42 homers and 199 RBI in 421 career games at PNC Park.
FAMILIAR ENEMY: LHP Jonathon Niese will start tonight for Pittsburgh…Niese was drafted by the Mets in the seventh round of the 2005 draft and he went 61-61 with a 3.91 ERA from 2008- 2015 with the Mets.
OTHER METS-PIRATES TIES: Mets Manager Terry Collins was a coach on Pittsburgh’s staff from 1992-1993…Antonio Bastardo pitched for the Pirates last year, going 4-1 with 2.98 ERA in 66 games…Pirates Manager Clint Hurdle played with the Mets in 1983, 1985 and 1987.
MAGNIFICENT MATZ: Steven Matz is 11-1 in 15 regular season games in the majors…he has never faced the Pirates in his career…Matz has won seven straight decisions, as he is 7-0 with a 1.51 ERA over eight starts during that stretch…Matz has issued nine walks and struck out 52…The last Met to win seven or more consecutive decisions was R.A. Dickey (April 25-July 19, 2012), who won 11 straight.
STRONG PITCHING: The Mets rank second in the majors with a 3.14 team ERA…The staff has allowed 42 homers, tied for the second- fewest in the majors…They have issued 132 walks, the fewest in the majors and have 476 strikeouts, ranking 10th in the majors.
WATCH OUT PIRATES: Asdrubal Cabrera will be playing his first games at PNC Park in his career and is 10-31 (.323) vs. Pittsburgh in eight career games but all of those games came at home as a member with Washington and Cleveland…James Loney is batting .322 (48-149) vs. the Pirates in his career and he has hit in six straight games vs. Pittsburgh dating to August 14, 2012 (.478, 11-23) with one homer and five RBI’s.
METS VS. NIESE: This is the first time Jon Niese will be facing his former team, but notable current Mets numbers against the 29-year old lefty are provided below…
Curtis Granderson: .333 (3-9), 3 K
Neil Walker: .154 (2-13), 2 RBI, 4 K
James Loney: .143 (1-7), 1 K
Asdrubal Cabrera: .000 (0-3)
Rene Rivera: .000 (0-3), 2 K
Mets Injury Updates:
- Outfielder Juan Lagares has been diagnosed with a partially torn ligament in his left thumb. Lagares, who originally injured the thumb on a diving catch on Saturday, met with team doctors earlier today in New York and is now on his way to Pittsburgh to join the team. There is no indication that Lagares will be put on the disabled list, as the Mets are hoping that Lagares can play through the injury and avoid surgery. You can expect Lagares to sit out the next few games to see if there is any improvement with his thumb. If no progress is made there is a very real possibility Lagares will have to undergo surgery on the thumb. While the Mets have another capable outfielder in Alejandro de Aza who could step up in the fourth outfielder role, no current outfielder on the roster has the defensive pedigree that Lagares possesses. We are now in wait and see mode with Lagares over the next couple of days.
- Catcher Travis d’Arnaud made his first rehab appearance since being placed on the disabled list back on April 26th, last night in Port St. Lucie with the High-A Mets. D’Arnaud served as the designated hitter for the Mets and went 1-5 with an RBI. D’Arnaud has reportedly been making throws of 150 feet but no throws using full force yet. It is expected that the 27-year old catcher will begin fielding his normal position in about a week or so, depending on how his rotator cuff feels. As of right now it looks like d’Arnaud could end up using his full twenty day rehab window to get up to speed, which would have him returning to the big league club at the end of the month.
Final Recap: Marlins 1 – Mets 0
The Miami Marlins (30-27) defeated the New York Mets (31-24) this afternoon by the final score of 1-0. For a full postgame recap follow the link below…
Game Notes:
- Matt Harvey pitched his second great outing in a row despite getting the loss, going 7 innings while only allowing 1 run on 4 hits. Harvey struck out 3 and walked none.
- Curtis Granderson was 1-4 with a double.
- Michael Conforto was 1-3 with a single.
- James Loney was 1-3 with a single.
- Mets batters struck out 15 times today, 14 of those strikeouts coming from Jose Fernandez.
The Mets looked completely overmatched this afternoon against Marlins ace Jose Fernandez. With the Mets missing many regulars in their lineup, and facing one of the best pitchers in baseball, Fernandez made them look silly all afternoon as he struck out 14 batters. The Mets had one threatening opportunity in the top of the seventh after back-to-back singles from Michael Conforto and James Loney with two outs, but Wilmer Flores went down swinging. It’s tough to get on the Mets offense after they produced the last two games and they were facing Fernandez who was on top of his game today. The offense will look to get back on track tomorrow night in Pittsburgh.
Matt Harvey had positive results for a second straight outing as he only allowed one run over seven strong innings. No Harvey did not get as many strikeouts as he would’ve liked, but he kept the Marlins hitters off balance and nearly went pitch for pitch with Fernandez on the afternoon. It was certainly a positive result for the Mets in an otherwise ugly affair, but hopefully Harvey continues to build off these past two starts as he is beginning to look like the ace of the staff he has been regarded as for years.
An injury update from the Mets on Juan Lagares left thumb indicates that Lagares has suffered a sprain in the thumb, and will go back to New York for further testing tomorrow. Lagares wasn’t wearing any sort of protection on his thumb in the dugout during today’s game so it remains to be seen how serious the injury is. Yoenis Cespedes also made a pinch-hit appearance in the top of the eighth and flew out to right field. Cespedes should be back in the lineup tomorrow against Pittsburgh.
- The Mets will now head to Pittsburgh to open up a three game series against the Pirates beginning tomorrow evening. First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 pm et. and can be seen on SNY.
- Lefty Steven Matz (7-1, 2.60 ERA) will look to build off his successful month of May when he faces former longtime Mets southpaw Jon Niese (5-2, 4.36 ERA).
Lineups & Game Notes: Mets vs. Marlins 1:10 pm et.
New York Mets (31-23):
1. Alejandro De Aza (L) CF
2. Asdrubal Cabrera (S) SS
3. Curtis Granderson (L) RF
4. Neil Walker (S) 2B
5. Michael Conforto (L) LF
6. James Loney (L) 1B
7. Wilmer Flores (R) 3B
8. Rene Rivera (R) C
9. Matt Harvey (R) P
SP: Matt Harvey RHP (4-7, 5.37 ERA)
Miami Marlins (29-27):
1. Ichiro Suzuki (L) RF
2. Martin Prado (R) 3B
3. Christian Yelich (L) LF
4. Marcell Ozuna (R) CF
5. Justin Bour (L) 1B
6. Derek Dietrich (L) 2B
7. J.T. Realmuto (R) C
8. Adeiny Hechavarria (R) SS
9. Jose Fernandez (R) P
SP: Jose Fernandez RHP (8-2, 2.53 ERA)
Today’s game can be seen on SNY.
Game Notes:
METS-MARLINS NOTES: The Mets have won 12 of their last 18 games in Miami…New York is 25-18 vs. the Marlins since 2014…New York has won the first two games of this series and will look for its first three-game sweep of the Marlins since August 3-5, 2015 in Miami.
DAY GAMES: New York is 13-5 in day games this year, including 6-2 on the road…The 13 wins during the day are tied for the second-most in the majors, behind the Cubs (19).
THE DARK KNIGHT RETURNS: Matt Harvey tossed 7 shutout innings, allowed just two hits and struck out six in his last start on May 30 vs. the White Sox…Harvey is 2-2 with a 3.48 ERA in seven career starts vs. the Marlins and 1-1 with a 3.13 ERA in four career starts in Miami.
FOUR OR MORE: The Mets are 22-5 when they score four or more runs and 8-18 when they score three or fewer.
FAMILIA RESULTS EVERY TIME: Jeurys Familia has 18 saves, tied for the most in the majors… Is 18-18 in save opportunities in 2016…Familia has saved 34 consecutive games in the regular season dating to August 1, 2015, extending a franchise-record…It is the second-longest active streak in the major leagues (Arizona’s Brad Ziegler has saved 38 straight opportunities)…His 18 consecutive saves to open the season is the second-longest streak to open a season in franchise history (Armando Benitez holds the team record at 24 saves in 2001).
ON BASE STREAKS: Asdrubal Cabrera has reached base safely in 15 straight games, compiling a .328 on-base percentage during that span… His career-high is a 16-game streak from May 5-23, 2011..Neil Walker has reached base safely in his last 16 games… Walker has a .455 on-base percentage during that stretch.
METS VS. FERNANDEZ: Jose Fernandez is 1-0 with a 1.67 ERA (five earned runs/27.0 innings) in five career starts vs. New York…He has struck out 32 and walked 5 batters…Notable Mets career numbers against Fernandez are posted below…
- James Loney: .500 (2-4), 1 BB, 1 K
- Neil Walker: .286 (2-7), 1 RBI, 1 BB
- Asdrubal Cabrera: .200 (1-5), 1 2B, 2 K
- Curtis Granderson: .500 (1-2), 1 2B, 1 BB
- Michael Conforto: .000 (0-1), 1 BB
Final Recap: Mets 6 – Marlins 4
The New York Mets (31-23) defeated the Miami Marlins (29-27) by the final score of 6-4 this afternoon at Marlins Park. For a full boxscore recap follow the link below…
Game Notes:
- James Loney was 3-5 with an RBI single.
- Michael Conforto was 1-4 with a sacrifice fly and an RBI single.
- Matt Reynolds had a pinch hit RBI single to put the Mets ahead in the top of the eighth.
- Alejandro De Aza was 1-2 with with a 2-run RBI double.
- Wilmer Flores was 3-4 with a run scored.
- Bartolo Colon went 5 innings allowing 2 runs (1 earned) on 5 hits. He struck out a batter and also walked a batter.
- Jeurys Familia is now 18-18 in save chances as he closed out the ninth inning despite giving up a run.
It was a weird day in Miami that began with Yoenis Cespedes being a last minute scratch from the lineup with a sore right hip. Michael Conforto ended up replacing him and batting seventh. Juan Lagares seemed to injure his left thumb after he made a fantastic diving catch in center field, in the bottom of the sixth inning off the bat of Ichiro. There were runners on second and third base, and with the Marlins up a run he essentially saved the game for the Mets. Lagares was removed from the game and replaced by Alejandro de Aza. Asdrubal Cabrera’s hand also cramped up on a check swing in the top of the eighth inning and was checked out by a trainer but remained in the game. Terry Collins stated after the game that there wasn’t a doctor in Miami to check out all three of their injuries so it is a situation that bears monitoring.
Adding to the weirdness Kevin Plawecki had a game to forget. Plawecki was not standing on home plate when Wilmer Flores had thrown a ball in his direction at home plate in the bottom of the second inning for a force out with the bases loaded, which led to a Marlins run. In the top of the third after hitting a double, Plawecki was quickly picked off of second base by Marlins pitcher Justin Nicolino. It doesn’t help either that Plawecki left runners in scoring position twice this afternoon. It was a disappointing day for Plawecki as Rene Rivera is making a case for more playing time.
On to the positives! The Mets bottom-half of the lineup did the majority of the damage today, but it was a true team effort to win this afternoon’s contest. James Loney and Wilmer Flores each look settled in at their positions and it is showing in the batters box as they each had three hits today. The Mets belted out 15 hits today which tied a season high, and got contributions from everyone in the lineup. Matt Reynolds picked up his first career RBI with a clutch go-ahead RBI single in the top of the eighth inning, to put the Mets ahead for good. Alejandro De Aza also provided the insurance runs with a 2-run RBI double in the top of the ninth to give the Mets a 3-run lead. Bartolo Colon gutted out a solid performance this afternoon when he clearly didn’t have his best stuff on the mound, but did just enough to keep the Mets in today’s ball game. Colon also had a single at the plate which improved the Mets record to 10-2 when Big Sexy has a hit! The Mets now only sit a game behind the Washington Nationals in the standings with today’s win!
- The Mets will go for the sweep of the Fish tomorrow afternoon with first pitch scheduled for 1:10 pm et. Tomorrow’s game can be seen on SNY.
- Matt Harvey (4-7, 5.37 ERA) will look to build off his last start which was his best start of the season, against Marlins ace Jose Fernandez (8-2, 2.53 ERA).
Mets Tidbits
- Zack Wheeler who has joined the Mets in Miami, as he rehabs in nearby Port St. Lucie, has told reporters that his 2016 debut has been pushed back until after the All-Star Break. The current timetable now puts Wheeler’s debut at 16 months off of recovery coming off of Tommy John Surgery. Wheeler was orginally scheduled for a July 1st return but after having an undissolved stitch removed from his throwing arm earlier this season, the Mets plan to play it safe and give Wheeler a little extra time to get up to speed. Wheeler is expected to throw 30 pitches off a mound today for Mets coaches prior to this afternoon’s game.
- It is being reported that catcher Travis d’Arnaud could possibly begin a Minor League rehab assignment as soon as this weekend. The only issue however is that d’Arnaud would appear in those rehab games as a designated hitter. The Mets still do not have a solid estimate as to when he will begin throwing, as he is currently still nursing that strained right rotator cuff injury. D’Arnaud has been on the disabled list since April 26.
- When the Mets open a three-game series against the Pittsburgh Pirates on Monday, the Mets will face a familiar foe in left-handed pitcher Jon Niese. Niese is currently scheduled to start on Monday against another lefty in Steven Matz. It could be argued that Matz arrival in the big leagues last season pushed Niese out of his rotation spot, and it will be an interesting matchup nonetheless to watch two southpaws do battle. Niese was acquired in the offseason by the Pirates in a trade for second baseman Neil Walker. Niese holds a 5-2 record with a 4.36 ERA for the Pirates in 11 starts, although he has been pitching his best baseball of the season over his last five starts.
Lineups & Game Notes: Mets vs. Marlins 4:10 pm et.
Sep 5, 2015; Miami, FL, USA; New York Mets starting pitcher Bartolo Colon (40) throws the ball in the first inning of a game against the Miami Marlins at Marlins Park. Mandatory Credit: Robert Mayer-USA TODAY Sports
New York Mets (30-23):
1. Curtis Granderson (L) RF
2. Asdrubal Cabrera (S) SS
3. Yoenis Cespedes (R) LF
4. Neil Walker (S) 2B
5. Juan Lagares (R) CF
6. Wilmer Flores (R) 3B
7. James Loney (L) 1B
8. Kevin Plawecki (R) C
9. Bartolo Colon (R) P
SP: Bartolo Colon RHP (4-3, 3.39 ERA)
Miami Marlins (29-26):
1. Derek Dietrich (L) 2B
2. Martin Prado (R) 3B
3. Christian Yelich (L) LF
4. Marcell Ozuna (R) CF
5. Giancarlo Stanton (R) RF
6. Justin Bour (L) 1B
7. J.T. Realmuto (R) C
8. Miguel Rojas (R) SS
9. Justin Nicolino (L) P
SP: Justin Nicolino LHP (2-3, 4.50 ERA)
Tonight’s game can be seen on SNY.
Game Notes:
METS-MARLINS NOTES: The Mets have won 11 of their last 17 games in Miami…New York is 24-18 vs. the Marlins since 2014.
DAY GAMES: New York is 12-5 in day games this year, including 5-2 on the road…The 12 wins during the day are tied for the third-most in the majors, behind the Cubs (16) and Giants (13).
VS. LEFTHANDERS: The Mets are 6-6 vs. lefthanders this season…Including today, the Mets are scheduled to face lefthanded starters in three of their next five games.
THREE-HOME RUN GAMES: Asdrubal Cabrera, James Loney and Rene Rivera each went deep last night…The Mets lead the majors with 11 games with three or more homers this season.
LEFTY MASHER: Juan Lagares is batting .326 (15-46) vs. lefties this season with four RBI…Is 8-for-his-last-20 vs. LHP dating to May 15.
MIAMI MASHERS: Juan Lagares is batting .313 (21-67) in 23 career games at Marlins Park…Has four doubles, three triples, one homer and 11 RBI in that stretch…Asdrubal Cabrera is hitting .341 (14-41) in 10 career games at Marlins Park…Yoenis Cespedes has hit .417 (20-48) with four doubles, two home runs and nine RBI in 10 career games at Marlins Park.
AGING LIKE FINE WINE: Bartolo Colon turned 43 on May 24… According to Elias, Colon won 47 games from age 40-42…Only four other pitchers had more wins from age 40-42: Warren Spahn (62), Cy Young (61), Randy Johnson (51) and Roger Clemens (50).
COLON VS. THE FISH: Colon is 7-4 with a 2.92 ERA in 11 career starts, his 2.92 ERA in 11 career starts against the Marlins is the fourth lowest among teams he has faced…Colon went 4-2 with a 2.49 ERA in six starts in 2015…Colon last pitched in Miami on September 5, 2015 and tossed a complete game shutout with two strikeouts and no walks…He is the last Mets pitcher to throw a complete game.
METS VS. NICOLINO: Justin Nicolino has made one career start against the Mets back on September 14, 2015 at Citi Field…The 24-year old left-hander pitched six innings while allowing three runs on six hits…He struck out two and walked one…Notable Mets career numbers against Nicolino are provided below…
- Yoenis Cespedes: .333 (1-3), 1 HR, 1 RBI
- Juan Lagares: .333 (1-3), 1 K
- Wilmer Flores: .000 (0-1), 1 BB
- Neil Walker: .000 (0-2), 1 RBI
Above The Mendoza 