Mets’ Thinned-Out Bullpen Shines in Victory Against Diamondbacks
The Mets faced a challenge with their bullpen as they were missing key pitchers due to various reasons. With Jorge Lopez gone, Edwin Diaz on the IL, and Brooks Raley out for the season, the relief core was already thin. However, pitchers Adrian Houser, Danny Young, and Reed Garrett stepped up in a big way during the recent 3-2 win over the Diamondbacks. They combined to throw four scoreless, hitless innings, with Garrett earning the save in the ninth inning.
Houser particularly stood out with his strong performance out of the pen, allowing only one run in his past two appearances. Young, who replaced Lopez, also made an impact by striking out two batters in his inning of work. Meanwhile, Francisco Alvarez showed promising progress in his rehab assignment with Double-A Binghamton, hitting an opposite-field homer in his second at-bat.
The Mets infield also made strides in their game, with players engaging in early fielding drills before the game. Pete Alonso, Jeff McNeil, Mark Vientos, and Brett Baty were seen working on double plays under the guidance of coaches Mike Sarbaugh and John Gibbons. The decision to hold these drills was well-received by Francisco Lindor, who emphasized the importance of putting in the extra work.
The team’s initiative to have a players-only meeting also reflected a commitment to accountability and improvement. While pitching coach Jeremy Mendoza was unaware of the meeting beforehand, he commended the players for coming together to address concerns and discuss potential changes. The Mets are focused on making adjustments and striving for continuous improvement as they navigate the challenges of the season.