Mets Struggling as Deadline Approaches
The Mets are currently sitting 13 games under .500, and with less than six weeks until the trade deadline, they need to convince management not to sell off players.
If we’re being honest, this season feels, well, nearly finished. Yet, even in what seems like a lost year, Christian Scott’s recent performance has drawn some attention.
In his first start back from the injured list, Scott demonstrated flashes of potential that have been a rare bright spot amid a tough season.
The 27-year-old had a tough moment when he allowed a fastball to Bryce Harper that, unfortunately for him, turned into a two-run homer in the third inning. It was a bit frustrating, especially since Scott mentioned that he wished he had gone with a different pitch. However, aside from that hiccup, he looked pretty steady on the mound.
“We’re feeling solid,” interim manager Andy Green remarked after the Mets’ 6-2 victory over the Phillies at Citi Field. “We had limited options to work with today, but aside from that swing from Harper, it was a good performance.”
Scott, returning to the mound after a hip contusion kept him sidelined for almost two weeks, threw 82 pitches over 4 and 1/3 innings, yielding only two runs on three hits, two walks, and striking out six batters.
This right-hander, who sat out last season due to Tommy John surgery, primarily used his sweeper and four-seamer, resulting in 17 swings and misses.
“I feel great,” Scott shared, noting his 3.20 ERA and optimism for becoming a consistent part of the rotation moving forward. “For the most part, I felt like we were aggressive in the strike zone early on, which set the tone for the rest of the game.”
In contrast, Zach Thornton, who had a stellar start against the Phillies just a day prior, will be rejoining Triple-A Syracuse. The young pitcher had kept the Phillies to one run and struck out seven in six innings, but his demotion was necessary to make room for Scott on the roster.
With Scott back in the mix, the Mets now have four starting pitchers available, despite some uncertainties. The main reason for Thornton’s optioning seems to be the need for a pitcher to cover nine innings on Sunday without a regular starter, as Cionel Perez is set to begin a bullpen game.
Rather than risk the bullpen, management decided to send Thornton back down just after what was arguably his best game in the majors. “He did a really good job,” Green acknowledged. This decision often boils down to maintaining the strength of the bullpen as the team navigates a busy schedule.
At 24, Thornton had a quick rise from Double-A Binghamton to the majors, showcasing talent in a farm system that hasn’t had many standout moments this season. Meanwhile, top prospects like Jonah Tong and Jack Wenninger have been struggling with their ERAs.
“We’re optimistic Zach will return,” noted Green. “He has to focus on dominating his games and maintain professionalism.”
In another development, Jorge Polanco, though he went 0-for-3 and didn’t strike out as he began another rehab assignment, is drawing cautious optimism from the Mets this time around. Polanco, who is under a two-year, $40 million contract, served as the designated hitter for Syracuse Saturday after dealing with ankle soreness.
Initially placed on injured list back in April due to a wrist contusion, his recovery has been complicated by Achilles bursitis. The Mets indicated that, if Polanco makes it back to the majors, he’ll play regardless of any lingering discomfort in his ankle.
As for Zach Short? Well, his struggles with Syracuse continue.
