3 Up, 3 Down: Mets Sweep Nats, Say Hello To WC Spot
The New York Mets are officially in playoff contention. After sweeping the Nationals and improving to 8-2 against Washington this season, the Mets took sole possession of the third Wild Card spot in the National League. Of course, there is still a lot of baseball to be played. However, the significance of this remarkable turnaround […]
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The New York Mets are officially in playoff contention.
After sweeping the Nationals and improving to 8-2 against Washington this season, the Mets took sole possession of the third Wild Card spot in the National League.
Of course, there is still a lot of baseball to be played. However, the significance of this remarkable turnaround shouldn’t be downplayed or overstated. Since May 30, New York is 25-12, which is tied with the Astros for the best record in baseball during that span.
The last month or so has truly been something pretty special.
And, on that note, let’s dive into another edition of 3 Up, 3 Down…
3 UP
Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports
UNSUNG HERO
Much has been written about Brandon Nimmo this week, and it has all been true. One of the most underrated players in the game, Nimmo continues to come up in the clutch for the Mets. He came through in a big spot with a two-out, bases-loaded double on Thursday, setting the stage for a five-run fifth inning. In all, Nimmo drove in seven runs this series. He now has 30 RBIs in his last 23 games. Furthermore, the veteran is now just six RBIs shy of his career-high (68), and we’re still in July.
Among qualified hitters, Nimmo currently ranks third in the NL in OPS (.988) and fourth in slugging (.600) since the beginning of June. He’s one of the hottest hitters in baseball right now, and he’s also been at the heartbeat of this stunning turnaround for the Mets.
LIVING THE DREAM
The 2024 New York Mets season deserves a movie made about it. After all, this team seemed dead and buried following the dark, dark days of May. Remember, New York was staring at a lowly 22-33 record on May 29. Fast forward to now, and the Mets are an impressive 25-12 since May 30, which is tied for the best record in MLB with the Astros over that span. Granted, there is still a lot of baseball to be played and the bullpen remains a potential season-killer. However, as of right now, the Mets occupy a Wild Card spot and that is pretty damn impressive given how bleak things looked not too long ago.
HELP DELIVERED
I’ve officially lost count of the amount of times I’ve written the words ‘bullpen help’ in this space and others. Well, those words have been heeded somewhat by the front office. The Mets went out and acquired RHP Phil Maton from the Rays earlier in the week, adding a proven body to the ‘pen. He made an immediate impact, striking out two in a scoreless seventh inning in his Mets debut on Thursday. The bullpen as a whole didn’t allow a run, backing up an impressive start from David Peterson. Maton was a huge add for the bullpen, and hopefully more help is on the way.
3 DOWN
Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports
MAN DOWN
Breakout reliever Reed Garrett was placed on the 15-day IL on Wednesday with right elbow inflammation, marking yet another body blow for an already battered and bruised bullpen. The good news, however, is that Garrett should only miss two-to-four weeks with nerve inflammation. That still isn’t great given how undermanned the ‘pen is, but at least the worst-case scenario was avoided. Garrett has struggled the more his workload has piled up, but he’s still been one of the stars of this bullpen. Losing him for a significant amount of time could have been the back-breaker for that group of relievers.
POWER SHORTAGE
Pete Alonso isn’t having the kind of dominant season he would have liked in his final year before hitting free agency. The slugger is hitting .243/.322/.455 with a .776 OPS, and the eye test will also tell you that this hasn’t been a typical vintage year for him thus far. He’s suffering somewhat of a power shortage, having now gone nine games without hitting a home run. Furthermore, the first baseman was quiet during the Nationals series and will need to mash at a higher level if the Mets are to maintain their postseason push. Hopefully the Home Run Derby will help Alonso get some of his mojo back.
NO MARTE PARTY
Starling Marte is still no closer to a return. The veteran outfielder has been on the shelf for three weeks with a right knee bone bruise, and despite latest MRI exam results showing signs of improvement, Marte himself is still feeling pain. That doesn’t sound promising, and more worrying is the fact that Marte just can’t seem to put together a healthy stretch of baseball. With DJ Stewart limited offensively, the Mets may need to acquire some outfield help at the deadline as an insurance policy should Marte be unable to return fully healthy.
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