Mets split series in D.C., José Butto's strong effort, and what's going on with David Stearns and the club?
The Mets have reportedly had on-going conversations with David Stearns to become their team president
What’s Up with the Mets? ⚾️
The Mets lost to the Nationals 3-2 in D.C. on Wednesday night (Box)
Francisco Lindor had two hits, a stolen base, and scored a run in the loss
Jose Butto was excellent, and actually pitched better than his final line of 6.1 innings with 2 earned runs
Trevor Gott entered in the 7th with the Mets leading 2-0 and allowed both of Butto’s inherited runners to score
The Nationals walked Pete Alonso three times including twice intentionally
Phil Bickford allowed a walk-off single to Jacob Young in the bottom of the 9th
Former Met Dom Smith collected three hits for the Nats
Momentum is building for David Stearns to become the new president of baseball operations for the Mets (SNY)
Injury Updates 🏥
Edwin Díaz (knee surgery) threw a bullpen session in Washington on Wednesday, adding sliders to his routine for the first time
Luis Guillorme (calf strain) will play in a rehab game for Single-A Brooklyn o nFriday
DJ Stewart (back soreness) is set to return to the lineup on Friday in Minnesota
Prospect Watch 🔎
IF Luisangel Acuna (No. 1 Prospect, Double-A): 3-for-5, 2 HR, 2 RBI, 3 R
C Kevin Parada (No. 5 Prospect, Double-A): 2-for-5, HR, 3 RBI, R,
IF/OF Jeremiah Jackson (No. 22 Prospect, Double-A): 2-for-4, HR, RBI, 2 R
1B Daniel Palka (Triple-A): 2-for-5, 2 HR, 2 RBI, 2 R
Today’s Game 🗓
The Mets are off today and will open a weekend series in Minnesota on Friday
Jose Butto took advantage of his opportunity on Wednesday✍️
In conversations regarding the next crop of young Mets pitching on the way, the discussions usually center around Blade Tidwell, Mike Vasil, Tyler Stuart and Dominic Hammel.
Righty Jose Butto was, at one point, decidedly in that mix as well, but his 5.93 ERA in 19 minor league starts this season and his tendency to walk way too many batters has emphatically simmered some of the enthusiasm surrounding his future.
That said, Wednesday night in D.C. could prove to be a huge stepping stone towards putting him back on the organizational map.
Butto was terrific against the Nationals from his first pitch to his last, tossing 6.1 innings while surrendering only two runs on six hits and a walk, and striking out six hitters. While he ultimately took a no decision, he certainly deserved better after leaving with a 2-0 lead and runners on the corners only to watch Trevor Gott allow both of the inherited runners to score in a matter of minutes.
Buttó had complete command of his repertoire but specifically featured an outstanding straight change-up with only a couple of inches of drop. Between that and his slider, he induced six swings-and-misses among the 30 he threw combined. Those complimented his fastball which he threw 67 percent of the time in the strike zone and created a swift and efficient outing for him into the seventh inning.
The outing was easily the best of Butto’s big-league career to date, and really the first time we’ve seen him look poised, confident, and in control on a Major League mound.
Washington’s offense was off balance and indecisive all night, which allowed Buttó to pile up a handful of low stress innings and keep his pitch count low enough to get deep in the game.
The Mets recalled the Venezuela native when rosters expanded last week with the intention of using him as a long man out of the bullpen, but when Carlos Carrasco went on the injured list the other day it opened up a spot in the rotation.
New York probably intended to handle that vacancy on a start-to-start basis down the stretch, but Butto’s performance will emphatically guarantee him the next turn.
At this point in the Mets season it’s all about growth among the team’s young players and finding out which youngsters can take advantage of their opportunities to open some eyes.
Butto certainly did just that last night.
Around the League 🚩
Cleveland pulled to within six games of the Twins in the AL Central with its 2-1 win over Minnesota
Cody Bellinger launched his 24th homer as the Cubs trounced the Giants 8-2 in a contest with NL Wild Card implications
Max Scherzer was lit up by the Astros, surrendering seven runs in three innings as Texas fell to Houston. Justin Verlander earned the win for the Astros
The Marlins beat the Dodgers 11-4 to win their 6th game in a row and jump a half game in front of Cincinnati and Arizona for the final NL Wild Card spot
Brandon Lowe and Isaac Paredes both homered in the Rays 3-1 win over the Red Sox