Before the All-Star break, the Mets played 12 games, facing pitchers like Juascal Brazovan, Chris Devenski, Brandon Waddell, and Justin Hagenman in that period.
They ended that stretch with a 7-5 record, but honestly, the pitching lineup didn’t seem promising for future success.
As they kick off the second half against the Reds at Citifield, things feel quite different.
On Thursday, the Mets named Sean Mania as the starter for Friday’s game in a three-game series, with Clay Holmes and David Peterson also slated to pitch. Kodai Senga and Frankie Montas are set for two more starts.
It’s worth noting that Peterson has made the NL All-Star team, and the Mets are counting on Mania, Senga, and Montas to remain healthy throughout the rest of the season after some struggles in the first half.
Despite having the fourth best rotation ERA at 3.38 for the season, they’ve dropped to an average of 4.17 since June 1. I mean, that’s not great.
Montas, unfortunately, had limited starts due to a shoulder issue he sustained in spring training.
Senga, returning from a month out with a hamstring injury, managed four scoreless innings in his last appearance, which was, I think, a good sign.
“There’s a lot to ask for, but if the three of us stay healthy, things look a bit brighter,” Al Scout noted.
They’re also keeping an eye on Holmes, whose innings need to be managed carefully; he’s already surpassed his previous major league peak with 103 innings this season.
He hasn’t completed six innings in any of his last six starts, which raises some concerns.
On the positive side, they could have more arms ready. Brandon Sproat has been on a roll at Triple-A Syracuse, with three straight scoreless starts, allowing only seven hits in 18 innings. Nolan McLean has also been impressive, striking out 20 batters in his last two outings.
Matt Allan, once a top prospect whose career has been derailed by Tommy John’s surgery and other issues, hasn’t pitched for High-A Brooklyn since June 10 due to elbow pain, but thankfully, there’s no structural damage, and he’s starting to throw again.
The 24-year-old hasn’t played in a game since 2019, returning with the Low-A St. Lucie team in April before moving to Brooklyn, where he pitched 15 innings.
Meanwhile, Francisco Alvarez seems ready for a comeback with Triple-A Syracuse; reports suggest he could be back with the Mets sooner rather than later.
Mauricio had a tough go last season but jumped back in this year, ending the break with an OPS of .899 over the last 14 games. All four of his most recent starts came from third base, where Mark Vientos has been struggling a bit.
To close out the first half, Vientos wrapped up some productive at-bats with Jesse Winker and Starling Marte, hitting 19-7 with three extra-base hits. Additionally, the Mets announced the signing of No. 38 pick and infielder Mitch Voight on Thursday.
