Jacob deGrom sharp yet again, and how the Mets could reshape their late-inning relief corps
deGrom has allowed one or no runs in 48 percent of his career starts
What’s Up with the Mets? ⚾
The Mets beat the Rockies 3-1 in the opener of their four game weekend series (Box)
Jacob deGrom went six innings and allowed just one run— on a long homer by Ryan McMahon
Speaking of long home runs, Pete Alonso crushed a tape measure blast off the facing of the second deck in the 3rd inning
Seth Lugo gave up two singles and a walk but survived a scoreless 7th
Buck Showalter yet again went to Edwin Diaz in the 8th inning when the opposition had their best hitters coming up
Tyler Naquin started in left field and broke out of an 0-19 skid with a pair of hits
Brandon Nimmo was on base three times with a single and two walks
Every Mets’ starter reached base at least once
Adam Ottavino recorded his first save of the season
Mets improved to 16-9 in August, 30-10 in series openers, 14-5 in series openers at home, 29-20 in 1 or 2 run games, 70-0 when leading after eight innings, 15-12 against the NL West, 12-40 when scoring three or fewer runs and 47-17 when the starter goes at least six innings
Roster Moves 📰
LHP Nate Fisher sent outright to Triple-A Syracuse
Injury Updates 🏥
Eduardo Escobar (Left oblique tightness) began a rehab assignment with Single- A Brooklyn on Thursday and went 2-for-4 with an RBI single—notably playing shortstop
Joey Lucchesi (Recovery from Tommy John Surgery) threw a scoreless inning in a start for Single-A St. Lucie on Thursday
All about that Jake… ⚡️
Jacob deGrom is 6-1 with a 1.20 ERA in ten career starts against the Rockies, the second-best mark by an active pitcher against any single opponent (min. 50 IP)
Recorded his 150th career quality start on Thursday
Has allowed three earned runs or fewer in 36 straight starts dating back to September 9, 2019
Has allowed one or no runs in 48 percent of his career starts (99 out of 203) and two runs or fewer in his last 23 home starts, one or zero in 17 of those starts
He leads all pitchers with 46 strikeouts, 0.55 WHIP and a .139 opponent’s batting average in August
Playoff Odds Tracker 🎲
The Mets are 80-46 and lead the Braves by two games in the National League East with 36 games to go. They are on-pace for 102 wins, which would be the second-highest mark in franchise history (108 in 1986)
The Mets have the easiest schedule down the stretch of the season (.446 opposing winning percentage, per Tankathon)
Playoff odds (FanGraphs):
Make the playoffs: 100 percent ↔️
Win the National League East: 77.4 percent ⬆️
Clinch a first round bye: 77.2 percent ⬆️
Win the World Series: 16.8 percent ⬆️
Today’s Game 🗓
Match-up: Mets (80-46) vs. Rockies (54-72)
Where: Citi Field - Flushing, New York
Starters: RHP Chris Bassitt (11-7, 3.26 ERA) vs RHP Chad Kuhl (6-7, 5.16 ERA)
When: 7:10 PM EDT
Where to Watch: SNY
Could Tylor Megill become the set-up man the Mets’ need? 📝
For almost a month now the conversation about the Mets’ trade deadline coup has been consistent. While Daniel Vogelbach, Darin Ruf, and Tyler Naquin have all been solid contributing role players, New York simply needed more than Mychal Givens in the bullpen.
And that deficiency reared it’s ugly head from start to finish during the club’s recent ten-game road trip through Atlanta, Philadelphia and the Bronx.
The Mets understandably feel really good about a postseason rotation which should feature Jacob deGrom, Max Scherzer, and Chris Bassitt. And the fact they’re undefeated in games they’ve led after eight innings with less than a week remaining in August illustrates just how much confidence this team justifiably has in Edwin Díaz.
But the proposition of bridging the gap between the starters and Diaz against good offensive teams in the playoffs is a little scary, to say the least
Adam Ottavino has been strong all year. But both Seth Lugo and Trevor May have been wildly inconsistent although Lugo has really come on lately as he’s allowed just three earned runs in his last 16 appearances. But the idea of either entering in the middle of a stressful jam in October offers quite a bit of pause and nervousness.
As such, the Mets have deservedly been criticized for not adding a legitimate late inning reliever at the trade deadline. But could they have a difference making bullpen arm in house?
Tylor Megill has been on the injured list for the last two months with a shoulder strain, but is nearing his return. You’ll remember the big right hander was actually the Mets opening day starter this season in Washington. Billy Eppler and Buck Showalter have already been telegraphing for weeks now that when Megill returns he will be used in relief, as a way to get him back earlier without requiring so many rehab innings to build his stamina.
In basically all nine of his starts this season Megill came out guns blazing, hitting triple digits with his fastball and racking up early strikeouts. But as the game went on his velocity would quickly diminish as would his effectiveness, and he was able to go six innings or more only twice.
So what does that all mean?
To me, it means Megill has the potential to become a dominant, swing-and-miss eighth inning reliever for this team down the stretch assuming he can keep his wing healthy. Megill’s repertoire would seem built to thrive in a role where he can come in for one inning and just empty the tank. Let the 100 mph fastballs fly and keep hitters off balance with his slider and change up.
The Mets expect Megill to return some time in early-to-mid September, and should use those last few weeks to get him accustomed to coming out of the bullpen as a late-inning reliever.
Provided they like what they see, I am fully expecting—and am in full support—of this ultimately becoming the plan.
Down on the Farm 🌾
Ronny Mauricio (SS, No. 3 Prospect, Double-A): 2-for-5, 1 R
Luke Ritter (INF, Double-A): 2-for-4, HR, 4 RBI, 2 R
Alex Ramirez (OF, No. 4 Prospect, Single-A): 3-for-5, 1R
Box Scores: Triple-A | Double-A | Single-A | Low-A
Around the League 🚩
Paul Goldschmidt homered twice and drove in five to lead the Cardinals to an 8-3 win over Marcus Stroman and the Cubs
Marco Gonzales outpitched Triston McKenzie as Seattle topped Cleveland 3-1
The Phillies announced Bryce Harper will return from the IL on Friday
Buoyed by a five run 3rd the Rays beat the Angels 8-3 in Tampa
Kyle Schwarber crushed his NL leading 35th homer in the last game of the Phillies series with Cincinnati
In a game with AL Wild Card race implications, Baltimore outlasted the White Sox 4-3 in 11 innings