The New York Mets are relying on Brett Baty to be their regular third baseman despite some doubts raised by his performance against left-handed pitchers last year. However, Baty has shown improvement this season with a .786 OPS against lefties, leading the team to believe that he can be an everyday player at the big league level. Hitting coach Jeremy Barnes emphasized the importance of Baty’s strong start this year in building confidence and overall performance. Baty’s ability to hit lefties has been encouraging for the team, and they believe he is on track to become the player they envisioned.
Francisco Lindor, who has been struggling this season, showed signs of improvement by reaching base three times in a recent win. Despite his struggles, manager Carlos Mendoza expressed faith in Lindor’s talent and noted that he has been sticking to the process to get results. Mendoza also highlighted the need to monitor Lindor’s playing time and ensure that he is protected from overuse. Although Lindor has been in the lineup regularly, Mendoza plans to make decisions based on factors like the team’s schedule and other opportunities to give Lindor a break when necessary.
First baseman Pete Alonso was named NL Player of the Week after a strong performance that included four homers and seven RBIs. Despite a slow start to the season, Alonso broke out with four straight multi-hit games, earning him the Player of the Week honors. Pitcher Adam Ottavino also contributed to the team’s success with a scoreless eighth inning and a streak of retiring 17 straight batters. These strong performances are crucial for the Mets as they aim for success this season.
The Mets honored Jackie Robinson Day with the presence of former player Butch Huskey, who wore No. 42 when the number was retired throughout MLB in 1997. Huskey shared that he wore the number in honor of Robinson throughout his career, and it inspired him to play harder. Manager Carlos Mendoza, a native of Venezuela, acknowledged that Robinson’s trailblazing efforts may have contributed to his own path to the Mets managerial position. Mendoza also paid tribute to broadcaster John Sterling, who recently announced his retirement, acknowledging Sterling’s support and kindness.
Overall, the Mets are encouraged by the performances of players like Brett Baty, Francisco Lindor, Pete Alonso, and Adam Ottavino. Baty’s improvement against left-handed pitchers, Lindor’s resilience, and Alonso’s strong showing as NL Player of the Week all contribute to the team’s optimism for the season. Manager Carlos Mendoza’s leadership and decision-making, along with the team’s tribute to Jackie Robinson and broadcaster John Sterling, further demonstrate the Mets’ commitment to honoring the past while striving for success in the present. As the season progresses, the Mets will continue to monitor player performances and make adjustments to ensure a successful campaign.
