Semien Shines as Mets Rally Against Braves

When a seasoned player struggles to mirror the success of a traded teammate, particularly in a bustling market, they often face increased scrutiny.

For the Mets, that player is Marcus Semien.

Semien, who was brought in from the Rangers this offseason in exchange for Brandon Nimmo, had been struggling with a mere .204 batting average heading into Sunday’s match against the Dodgers.

However, after hitting a home run on Sunday, Semien lifted his team on Monday, contributing three hits and another home run in the sixth inning as the Mets topped the Braves 14-3.

“I think he really put up a great fight,” said Mets interim manager Andy Green. “He approaches the game with the utmost professionalism. He prepares thoroughly to help the team win.”

Green also noted, “Even when he didn’t start, he was getting ready on the bench, preparing for that crucial at-bat. His three-run homer yesterday was key for us. It’s just great to see someone who works hard find success.”

There’s been a chorus of discontent from fans regarding Semien’s performance this season. Additionally, Mets director of baseball operations David Stearns is facing criticism for trading away homegrown talent like Nimmo, who had been with the team for a decade, for Semien.

Semien is not alone in disappointing as one of several offseason moves, including Freddy Peralta, Bo Bichette, and Jorge Polanco, that haven’t panned out for the Mets, especially considering his batting average has been below .230 since May.

Still, the veteran, who previously celebrated a World Series win with the Rangers in 2023, demonstrated on Monday that he still has skills to offer, though it seems the Mets’ troubles may continue this season.

Semien had a single in the second inning, driving in two runs in the sixth to give the Mets a 5-3 advantage. Later, with the Mets leading 9-3 in the eighth, he added another single, scoring eventually after Francisco Lindor hit a three-run homer.

The 35-year-old not only achieved his first three-hit game since May 6 but also contributed defensively with a walk.

Semien attributes his recent hitting adjustments to one crucial element: timing.

“I’m really focusing on slowing everything down,” Semien explained. “If a pitcher’s fastball seems slow, it helps me to focus, and it begins with making sure I can manage the fastball first. If that gets delayed, I rush to hit the off-speed pitches.”

“Essentially, I’m trying to make the ball appear as slow as possible to control the strike zone.”