Mets Finish Off Sweep of Marlins

Sunday, September 02, 2012

Final Score: New York Mets: 5 Miami Marlins: 1

Mets Finish Off Sweep of Marlins

With the 5-1 win Sunday afternoon, the Mets won their third straight series and seven of their last eight games.  They have moved to six games under .500 with a record of 64-70.  It was the first series sweep for the Mets since they took three straight from the Orioles June 18-20.  The Mets also swept the Marlins earlier in the season in April, but this is the first sweep on the road of the Marlins since 2007.  The Mets also improved their record in day games to 28-21 on the season.

Jason Bay enjoyed his best day of the season, going 2 for 4, driving in four runs thanks to a first inning grand slam.  The homerun was Bay’s first since August 16^th.

It was literally a month’s worth of production for Bay, who accumulated only one homerun and for RBI from August 3^rd through September 1st.

A key to the Mets recent success has been how well the bullpen has performed.  Saturday they had a 16 2/3 innings scoreless streak snapped, but got back to building a new one Sunday, as they threw four scoreless innings.  They have allowed one earned run in the past 22 2/3 innings.

The Mets bullpen has been a disaster all season, compiling a 15-25 record with a 4.83 ERA.  The Mets as a team are a disastrous 22-56 when a reliever allows a run.

A reason for the sweep this weekend against the Marlins was the Mets keeping Marlin slugger Giancarlo Stanton in check.  In the first two games of the series, Stanton went 2 for 8 with his only RBI coming on an infield hit.

That was a great success for Stanton compared to Sunday, as the Mets held Stanton hitless.  Stanton went 0 for 4 with three strikeouts Sunday afternoon, as the Mets held the Marlins most dangerous power hitter more than in check for the weekend.

Manager Terry Collins gave some insight into the Mets plans coming down the stretch of the season.  Zach Lutz is expected to get a start sometime this week at one of the corner infield spots; he is also being considered for instructional ball this winter to learn a corner outfield spot to increase his value and playing potential in the majors next season.  Collins also said that Matt Harvey will make two or three more starts before being shut down and that Zach Wheeler’s season is done as they do not want to increase his inning total any more.  Jenrry Mejia is expected to make some starts for the major league club in September though Collins said.

Next up for the Mets is a three game series against St. Louis starting Monday.  Collin McHugh (1-0, 0.00 ERA) will return to the team to make the start Monday afternoon against Joe Kelly (4-6, 3.61 ERA).

Mets Swept By Bottom-Feeding Rockies

Thursday, August 23, 2012

Final Score: Colorado Rockies: 1 New York Mets

Mets Swept by Bottom-Feeding Rockies

Even the presence of an Olympic gold medalist in Gabby Douglas couldn’t turn the fortunes of the Mets, who suffered a sweep at the hands of the lowly Colorado Rockies Thursday afternoon after falling 1-0.  It was one misplay that led to the Mets demise this afternoon, even after another stellar MLB debut from a rookie.  The loss puts the Mets 11 games under .500 and into fourth place in the NL East.

Collin McHugh was making his MLB debut today in place of the injured Johan Santana; what an appearance it was for the 25 year old McHugh.  McHugh gave up a game opening double to Charlie Blackmon, but stranded him on third. 

McHugh would allow only one other hit and one walk, which was semi-intentional to Carlos Gonzalez in his 100 pitch effort.  McHugh tossed seven shutout innings, striking out nine.  The nine strikeouts is the second most in a debut in franchise history, second to Matt Harvey’s 11 earlier this season.

McHugh’s final stat line was seven innings pitched, surrendering only two hits and one walk while striking out nine.  He is the third pitcher in franchise history to toss seven-plus shutout innings in his major league debut.  He is also the first pitcher since 1900 to throw seven-plus innings while striking out nine-plus batters to not get a win.

The game was lost in the eighth inning this afternoon, as Tyler Colvin roped a line drive at inexperienced centerfielder Jordany Valdespin off Bobby Parnell.  Valdespin broke in on the ball at first and it ended up landing over his head.  He was making only his fifth career start in centerfield and 23^rd overall appearance as a professional, all coming this season between the majors and Triple-A Buffalo. 

Chris Nelson followed the Colvin double with an RBI single, giving the Rockies all they would need for the win. 

The Mets offense struggled yet again, as starter Tyler Chatwood and relievers Adam Ottavino, Rex Brothers, Will Harris and Matt Belisle combined to blank the Mets.  The Mets went 0 for 10 with runners in scoring position and stranding 12 base runners all together.  The Mets were shut down the whole series by the pitching staff with the worst team ERA at 5.31.  The Mets were able to muster only five runs in four games against the Rockies.

The Mets will take on another bottom-feeding team in the Houston Astros starting Friday night at 7:10 P.M. ET.  Jon Niese (10-6, 3.82 ERA) will take the mound against Jordan Lyles (2-10, 5.70 ERA) on Meringue night at Citi Field. 

Bullpen Losses Yet Another Game for Mets

Wednesday, August 22 2012

Final Score: Colorado Rockies: 5 New York Mets: 2

Bullpen Losses yet another Game for Mets

Things are hitting new lows every night in Queens for the Mets.  After another disappointing loss to the Rockies 5-2 Wednesday night, the Mets now see their losing streak at four games.  They have lost 13 of their last 15 games at Citi Field and have an abysmal 11-27 record since the All-Star break.  They have also lost seven straight games to the Rockies at home.  The Mets record now sits 10 games under .500, the worst it has been in three years. 

It was yet another strong effort from a starting pitcher tonight for the Mets that was wasted by a poor showing at the plate and a poor performance from the bullpen.  This is becoming almost a nightly thing, making watching the game almost obsolete as the end result is almost always the same.

Tonight the starting pitcher to be let down was Matt Harvey.  Harvey received a no-decision in the game, being lifted after six innings with his pitch count at 102.  Harvey was dominant against the Rockies, carrying a no-hitter into the 4^th inning before Jonathan Herrera led off the frame with an opposite field single.  It was one of only three hits that Harvey would surrender on the night.

Harvey would also walk two batters and give up only one earned run, as Herrera scored in the 4^th inning off a Wilin Rosario sac fly.  Harvey almost single handedly made up for the base runners he surrendered going 2 for 2 at the plate with two singles, giving him a .455 batting average in the major leagues.

Harvey also struck out nine Rockies Wednesday night, giving him 43 in his first six major league appearances.  That is enough to become the Mets franchise leader through six appearances, giving him one more than Nolan Ryan had in his first six Mets appearances, even though one was out of the bullpen.

Harvey ended the night with six innings pitched, three hits and two walks resulting in one earned run and nine strikeouts.

Immediately after going to the bullpen, the tie game was broken open as Ramon Ramirez gave up a homerun to Rosario to start the 7^th inning and would see Tyler Colvin score on a D.J. Mathieu suicide squeeze.

The Rockies would later capitalize on a Kelly Shoppach throwing error in the ninth inning and plate two more insurance runs off Frank Francisco, who saw his ERA rise to 6.42.  The Mets were able to bring the tying run to the plate in the bottom of the ninth, but Ronny Cedeno flew out to end the game.

Scott Hairston’s first inning sac fly and Ike Davis’ eight-inning RBI single accounted for all of the Mets offense.  Jason Bay was heavily booed after going 0 for 3, dropping his average to .148.  With the tying runs on base in the 8^th inning, Bay was lifted for pinch-hitter Jordany Valdespin, who struck out to end the inning.

The Mets look to salvage the last game of the four game series Thursday afternoon as Collin McHugh will make his major league debut in place of Johan Santana against Tyler Chatwood (3-3, 5.46 ERA).

Fading Mets Drop Another to Rockies

Tuesday, August 21^st 2012

Final Score: Colorado Rockies: 6 New York Mets: 2

Fading Mets Drop Another to Rockies

The Mets season is starting to become tumultuous and hard to watch for fans, as they dropped another game to the lowly Rockies Tuesday night 6-2.  The loss drops the Mets to nine games under .500, a worse in the past three seasons.  Their overall record since the All-Star break now sits at 11-26.  Citi Field has become a place no person of the Mets organization or fans want to be, as they have lost 12 of the last 14 games there. 

The night started out very promising for the Mets.  They were able to stake Chris Young to an early lead again, going ahead 1-0 in the 4^th inning thanks to a sac fly from Daniel Murphy that knocked in Ruben Tejada.  That looked to be all the Mets would need with how Young was pitching, but everyone unraveled in the 6^th inning.

Young retired the first 15 Rockies that he faced, striking out four batters and having no one come close to getting a hit.  Then the sixth inning Young implosion that has become too much of a constant happened. 

D.J. Mathieu led off with a weak, but legitimate, infield hit which was followed by a Jonathan Herrera single.  Add in a Young throwing error and a two more hits and the Mets found themselves down 4-1 in a blink of an eye after starting the inning protecting a Young perfect game.

To end the night, Young finished with seven innings pitched, giving up four runs, two of which were earned, on five hits and one walk while striking out nine.  What started out looking like a potentially historic night ended in disappointment with Young’s record dropping to 3-7.

In the bottom of the fifth inning, manager Terry Collins was ejected from the game for arguing a call at second base.  Andres Torres got picked off second and got into a pickle, dashing back to second base and diving back in initially being called safe.  Rockies manager Jim Tracy came out to argue after his third baseman Jordan Pacheco had obviously tagged Torres out, and the call was overturned.  This in turn made Collins come out, who was subsequently run from the game moments later.

Not to be forgotten is the work of Rockies starter Jhoulys Chacin, who was making his first start since May 1^st.  He went six innings, allowing only one run on four hits and no walks while striking out two.  It was Chacin’s first win in since August 28^th, 2011.

The Mets look to get in the win column Wednesday night as Matt Harvey (2-3, 3.00 ERA) will make his second start at Citi Field against Jeff Francis (4-4, 6.07 ERA). 

Mets get Shutdown by Leake

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Mets vs. Reds Post Game Recap 8/15

The Mets were unable to get much offense going for the second game straight losing to the Red 6-1.

Cincinnati Reds starter Mike Leake was great against the Mets throwing a complete game. Leake went the full nine innings allowing four hits, one run, and had four strikeouts.

Cy Young candidate R.A Dickey had one of his worst outings of the year getting his 4th loss of the season. Dickey went six innings allowing ten hits, two walks, five runs, and had nine strikeouts. Dickey did also give up three solo homeruns to Scott Rolen, Todd Frazier, and Jay Bruce. The start did come with some controversy, as the umpires made Dickey remove two bracelets that his daughters made him.

Mike Baxter was able to have a multi-hit game in the leadoff spot going 2 for 4 with a run scored.

Ruben Tejada was the other Met to get a hit off Leake, also having a multi-hit game going 2 for 4.

The Mets will be looking to avoid the sweep, as they send rookie Matt Harvey (1-3, 3.63) to the mound to face Homer Bailey (10-7, 4.08).

Mets Blanked By Braves in Series Opener

Friday, August 10, 2012

Final Score: Atlanta Braves: 4 New York Mets: 0

Mets Blanked By Braves in Series Opener

The Mets were unable to build off of a great performance by R.A. Dickey Thursday afternoon, getting shut down by the Braves Friday night 4-0.  A difficult second half of the season continues for the Mets, as they are going in the wrong direction in the standings getting closer to the cellar than the top.

It was a highly anticipated night in Queens as Matt Harvey was making his debut at Citi Field.  The air was quickly taken out of the stadium as Jason Heyward hit a two-run homerun in the top of the first inning.  That homerun would prove to be all the Braves would need to defeat the Mets tonight. 

Harvey had some jitters, evident by the five walks he surrendered, but had a solid outing otherwise.  The finish was strong for Harvey, who retired the last nine batters that he faced.  Harvey was also hit by a come-backer in the right thigh by Freddie Freeman in the third inning but was able to stay in the game.

Harvey got back to what he does best in throwing his fastball tonight.  For whatever reason, he had started to wander away from his fastball in San Diego, relying more on his off-speed pitches.

Harvey’s final line was six innings pitched, surrendering two hits and five walks resulting in two earned runs to go along with three strikeouts.  It was a solid but not great outing for Harvey who received no support from the offense tonight.

Josh Egdin would surrender another two-run homerun later in the eighth inning, this time off the bat of Dan Uggla.

Paul Maholm was able to shut the Mets offense down, throwing a gem in surrendering only three hits and striking out five.  Maholm ended the hitting streak of Ruben Tejada at a career high 14 games.

Jason Bay continued where he left off at after being notified of his cut in playing time by going 0 for 3, dropping his average to .152.

Next up for the Mets is a Saturday night game which Johan Santana (6-7, 3.98 ERA) will make his return from the DL against Kris Medlen (2-1, 2.37 ERA).  Santana is likely to be on a 90 pitch limit, meaning the Mets bullpen could be in for a full day of work and needs to step up.   

Mets Salvage Last Game of Series vs. Marlins

Thursday, August 9^th, 2012

Final Score: Miami Marlins: 1 New York Mets: 6

Mets Salvage Final Game of Series vs. Marlins

The Mets were finally able to end their losing streak at Citi Field Thursday afternoon, defeating the Marlins 6-1.  This was the first win for the Mets at home since July 7^th against the Chicago Cubs and ended the eight game losing streak they were on at home.  The losing streak matched the sixth longest one in Mets franchise history. 

R.A. Dickey pitched like the ace he has been all season, throwing a masterful complete game.  It was the fourth complete game on the season for Dickey.  The only blemish for him was a solo homerun given up in the fourth inning to Justin Ruggiano. 

Dickey surrendered only five hits resulting in the one earned run with no walks and 10 strikeouts.  It was Dickey’s sixth double digit strikeout game of the season, giving him 166 strikeouts on the season against only 36 walks. 

Dickey is looking to become the first 20 game winner for the Mets since Frank Viola in 1990, notching his 15^th win of the season this afternoon, tying him with Jered Weaver for the MLB lead.  Dickey, even with the Mets struggles, is right in the hunt for the NL Cy Young award also with a 15-3 record and 2.72 ERA.

For the Mets at the plate Andres Torres shined.  Torres finished the game 3 for 3 with a walk, finishing a single short of hitting for the cycle.  Multiple Mets also had multi-hit games, with David Wright, Mike Baxter, and Josh Thole.

Ruben Tejada was also able to add two hits, upping his hitting streak to a career high 14 games.

The Mets were able to cool of Jose Reyes, who had his 26 game hitting streak ended Thursday afternoon.  Reyes also made a blunder in the field in the 4^th inning that enabled the Mets to retake the lead for good.

Next up for the Mets is a series against the rival Atlanta Braves.  Matt Harvey (1-2, 3.86 ERA) will be making his Citi Field debut against newly acquired Paul Maholm (9-7 3.75 ERA). 

Mets Drop Last Game of West Coast Trip

Sunday August 5^th, 2012

Final Score: New York Mets: 3 San Diego Padres: 7

Mets Drop Last Game of West Coast Trip

The Mets had a disappointing end to what was an overall positive west coast trip, ending with a loss to the San Diego Padres 7-3 Sunday afternoon.  Even with the loss to the end the trip, the Mets will head home with a 6-5 record out west against the Arizona Diamondbacks, San Francisco Giants and San Diego Padres.

Matt Harvey had a strong start to the road trip winning in Arizona for his first career win, but did not have as positive outcome this time around.  Harvey has a promising career ahead of him, but will undoubtedly have his rough patches like this afternoon.

Harvey had a rough afternoon, surrendering two two-run homeruns in spacious Petco Park.  Chase Headley in the first inning and Yonder Alonso in the third were able to tag Harvey for homers, making Harvey only the second visiting pitcher this season to surrender multiple homers in a game. 

Harvey’s final line was uninspiring ending with five innings pitched, eight hits, five runs, one walk and five strikeouts on 81 pitches.  If not for the trouble with the long ball, Harvey’s stat line looks much more promising.

The only noise made by the Mets offense this afternoon was from Ronny Cedeno, who hit a pinch hit two- run homerun off Jason Marquis in the 6^th inning after coming on for Harvey.  Marquis had a strong game for the Padres, retiring 14 batters after allowing a leadoff single to start the game. 

Jason Bay had a sacrifice fly in the 7^th inning to bring the Mets within two runs, but again was hitless at the plate.  Bay finished the road trip going 2-for-31, good for a .065 batting average.  Bay should be in the lineup Tuesday night against a lefty but should expect to see his playing time diminish and dwindle as the season winds down. 

Next up for the Mets, after a day off on Monday, is a three game series with Jose Reyes and the Miami Marlins at Citi Field.  Reyes will bring a major league season high 24 game hitting streak with him.  Jon Niese (8-5, 3.72 ERA) will take the mound for the Mets in opener and be opposed by Marlins starter Wade LeBlanc (1-1, 1.35 ERA).  By game time Tuesday, the Mets should also have better assessments on the extent of the injuries to Tim Byrdak and Kirk Nieuwenhuis.   

Mets Drop Second Game in San Francisco

Tuesday July 31^st, 2012

Final Score: New York Mets: 1 San Francisco Giants: 4

Mets Drop Second Game in San Francisco

After taking the first game of the series in San Francisco, the Mets dropped the second one 4-1.  The Mets were unable to give any support to Matt Harvey, who was making his second career major league start and suffered his first career loss.  Lack of defensive awareness and a lack of pop at the plate put the Mets behind the eight-ball.

Harvey threw another good game for the Mets, even though it resulted in a loss.  He shattered the Mets franchise record for strikeouts in his first two starts, racking up 19.  Harvey finished the game with six innings, four hits, three runs (two of which were earned), three walks and seven strikeouts.

Harvey put the blame on himself for the loss but was being unfair and tough on himself.  The defense just did not show up behind him tonight.  There were plays that resulted in errors and mental mistakes throughout the game.  Jordany Valdespin miss played a line drive in the second inning, allowing Buster Posey to get to first on a single.  The bases would eventually be loaded and Harvey would get the groundball for the double play but the defense again let him down.  Ruben Tejada misfired his throw to first, missing out on an opportunity to end the inning on a double play. 

The third run was surrendered in the sixth inning with the bases loaded when Harvey got Marco Scutaro to ground into a double play.  Harvey relied on his changeup more this time around than in his first start and the results would have been as good if not for spotty defense.

Harvey will make his next start in the finale of the road trip Sunday in San Diego against the Padres and Jason Marquis.

Outside of an RBI double by Justin Turner knocking in Scott Hairston in the second inning, the Mets offense was held in check by Tim Lincecum.  David Wright was given the night off for only the sixth time this season but appeared as a pinch hitter.

Wright came on with the bases loaded and was struck out by Lincecum on one of the best curveballs a pitcher can throw.  The strikeout ended really any chance the Mets had at a comeback. 

Lincecum finished the game with seven innings pitched, allowing six hits and one walk equaling one earned run while striking out seven.  This is Lincecum’s fifth win of the season and second against the Mets.

Next up for the Mets and Giants is the third game in the four game series.  The Mets will again have a hard time scoring runs as Jon Niese (7-5, 3.68 ERA) will be opposed by Giants starter and All-Star game starter Matt Cain (10-3, 2.80 ERA). 

Mets Beat Giants in Extras

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Mets vs Giants Post Game Recap 7/30

The Mets were able to pick up the first game of the series in San Fran beating the Giants in extra innings by a score of 8-7.

Starter Jeremy Hefner had a tough night on mound for the Mets while picking up the no decision. Hefner went 5.2 innings allowing ten hits, three walks, four runs, and had five strikeouts.

Bobby Parnell was unable to close the game for the Mets despite the blown save going to Josh Edgin who later got his first win of the season. Parnell was only able to get one out while allowing two hits, one run, and then was pulled by Terry Collins.

Manny Acosta would pick up the save in extra innings for his 1^st of the season, but made it very interesting allowing one hit, two walks, and one run.

Offensively for the Mets it was the Scott Hairston show, as Hairston went 2 for 5 with the game tying two-run homerun in the 8^th inning, and then the go ahead solo homerun in the 10^th giving him 14 now for the season.

Ike Davis had another rough night at the plate going 0 for 4 with four strikeouts getting himself a golden sombrero.

Justin Turner was able to rekindle some of last years clutch magic with a pinch hit double in the 8^th inning scoring Jason Bay.

Mets will look to make it three straight wins as Matt Harvey will be making his second start in the majors against Tim Lincecum (4-11, 5.88).

Mets Win as Harvey Shines

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Mets vs Diamondback Post Game Recap 7/26

The Mets were able to snap their 6 game losing streak by beating the Diamondbacks 3-1 with a great start from Matt Harvey.

Making his MLB debut 23 year old Matt Harvey was exactly what the doctor ordered for the Mets to snap their losing streak, as they look to try and move back to the .500 mark. Harvey set a Mets franchise record in strikeouts with 11 breaking Tom Seavers previous record. The young right hander would go 5.1 scoreless innings while only allowing three hits, and three walks in his debut.

Jon Rauch gave up the only run of the game for the Mets in the 8^th inning, as Justin Upton hit a sac-fly scoring Jason Kubel.

Mets closer Bobby Parnell was able to get his 3^rd save of the season despite making things interesting in the 9^th inning by allowing two walks, but did have an impressive three strikeouts in the inning.

Lead-off hitter Ruben Tejada was able to reach base safely three times going 2 for 4 with a walk, and scoring a run.

Scott Hairston had the biggest night of any Mets hitters going 3 for 4 with two doubles, and two RBIs continuing his great hitting against lefty pitchers.

Struggling Andres Torres was able to snap out of his 0-17 drought going 2 for 3 hitting his third triple of the year, and scoring a run.

Matt Harvey showed off his hitting skills as well going 2 for 2 off All-Star Wade Miley including a double capping off his great major league debut.

The Mets will look to get a little winning streak going by sending Jon Niese (7-4, 3.59) to face Josh Collmenter (2-2, 3.82).

Mets Lose 6th Straight

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Mets vs Nationals Post Game Recap 7/25

The New York Mets were unable to beat on the majors best pitchers in Stephen Strasburg losing to the Nationals by a score of 5-2 making it a 6 game losing streak now.

The Mets got a good start from Jeremy Hefner but unfortunately he was out dueled by Strasburg and picked up his 4^th loss of the season. Hefner went a solid six innings allowing six hits, two walks, three runs only two of which were earned, and had a career high seven strikeouts.

Tim Byrdak had a tough afternoon allowing a monster two-run homerun to Adam LaRoche scoring Bryce Harper in the 7^th inning, and put the dagger into the Mets making it a 4 run game late.

Stephen Strasburg was fantastic in picking up his 11^th win of the season. Strasburg shut down the entire Mets offense only allowing one run on four hits, and had eleven strikeouts.

Ike Davis was the only Met to do much damage off Strasburg, as Davis was able to his 16^th homerun of the season in the 2^nd inning.

The Mets will be heading out west for a 11 game road trip, and will be sending top prospect Matt Harvey for his first career major league start against the Dbacks All-Star Wade Miley (11-5, 3.02).

Mets Demote Lucas Duda

Mets Shake up Roster, Demote Lucas Duda

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The New York Mets have struggled mightily in recent weeks and have been looking for ways to shake up a team in need of a spark.

The calling up of top prospect Matt Harvey was the first move and dominoes needed to fall afterwards for that to happen.

The next domino has fallen, as the Mets have decided to option struggling outfielder Lucas Duda to Triple-A Buffalo.  It had appeared that Duda dodged a bullet when Pedro Beato was sent back down, but ultimately that decision did not impact Duda.

Duda is batting only .190 (19-100) in his last 29 games, getting only four extra base hits in that span.  He has had his troubles in the month of July, hitting only .140 with 16 strikeouts in 43 at-bats.

Duda entered the season as the Mets starting right fielder and has accumulated a .241 batting average with 12 homeruns and 44 RBI’s thus far in the season. 

The Mets hope that Duda can figure things out with less of a spotlight on him at Triple-A and come back later in the season being able to contribute and have a positive impact.

Top Mets Prospect to Make Debut Thursday

Mets Top Prospect Matt Harvey to Make Debut

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The New York Mets season is quickly falling apart, losing nine of ten games since the All-Star break and seeing their record drop under .500 for the first time all season to 47-48.

Help is on the way in the form of top prospect Matt Harvey.  Harvey will be in New York Monday and will be activated to the roster Tuesday.

Harvey will make his MLB debut Thursday night in Arizona against the Diamondbacks, the first game of a 10 game west coast trip for the Mets. 

Harvey, 23, has a 7-5 record with a 3.68 ERA this season pitching for Triple-A Buffalo.  He also has 112 strikeouts in his 110 innings of work. 

Harvey was the Mets first round pick in 2010 and will replace Miguel Batista, who was designated for assignment over the weekend, in the rotation for the foreseeable future. 

Mets Designate Miguel Batista for Assignment

Mets Designate Miguel Batista for Assignment

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Miguel Batista will no longer be a part of “the best team in baseball,” as the Mets designated him for assignment before this afternoon’s game.

Batista, 41, is 1-3 with a 4.82 ERA making five starts and appearing in 25 other games as a reliever. 

Batista last pitched Saturday, suffering the loss after lasting only three innings and surrendering four earned runs.

“It was very tough,” Mets manger Terry Collins said of the decision.  “Miguel’s done a great job here.  He’s a first-class guy and brings a lot to the party as far as his clubhouse presence, especially that Dominican presence with [Jordany] Valdespin and a couple young guys.  He’s been great helping those guys mature at this level and he’s done a good job.”

Batista’s presence in the clubhouse might be missed, but not his performance on the field.  Designating Batista for assignment does cause some more problems for the Mets.  They are now in need of another starter to pitch Thursday’s game in Arizona as that was Batista’s next scheduled start.

This will add fuel to the fire of Mets top prospect Matt Harvey being called up to make the start.  Harvey did struggle in his start for Triple-A Buffalo Saturday, but his manager said that Harvey was not in the game.  It seemed more that his head was in New York than Buffalo with the rampant rumors that he would be called up.

“Hopefully he clears [waivers] and decides to stay and goes down and pitches a little bit more,” Collins continued to say before the Mets took on the Dodgers Sunday afternoon.

Right-handed reliever Elvin Ramirez was called up from Triple-A Buffalo to replace Batista for the time being. 

Mets Struggles Continue, Drop 8th of Last 9 Games

Saturday July 21^st, 2012

Final Score: Los Angeles Dodgers: 8 New York Mets: 5

Mets Struggles Continue, Drop 8^th of 9 Games

The Mets struggles continued Saturday afternoon as they were beaten again by the Los Angeles Dodgers 8-5. The loss drops the Mets to .500 for the first time since their record stood at 13-13.  This was the eighth loss for the Mets out of nine games since the All-Star break, putting even more distance between them and the last wild card playoff spot.  This will also be the fourth straight series loss for the Mets. 

The starting pitching along with the bullpen was once again a problem for the Mets.  Miguel Batista was taken out of the game before he took his first turn at-bat, as he most ineffective in three innings against the Dodgers.  Batista labored through the three innings, needing 81 pitches. 

Batista needed 33 pitches to get through the first inning alone, walking three Dodgers and giving up one earned run.  He actually threw a 1-2-3 second inning, but was unable to get through the third inning with as much ease.

Batista needed 34 pitches to get through the third inning, which was highlighted by a two-out two-RBI double by Juan Uribe.  Batista was pulled in the bottom of the inning for pinch hitter Jordany Valdespin, who was able to get a bunt hit and come around on a Scott Hairston bloop single.

Batista finished the game with a line of three innings, five hits, four earned runs, three walks and two strikeouts.  Earlier in the week Batista called the Mets “the best team in baseball,” a team he may not be a part of for much longer.

 Jeremy Hefner relieved Batista and was not much more effective after arriving from Triple-A Buffalo.  Hefner gave up two earned runs in his two innings of work, and is tentatively scheduled to start Wednesday for Johan Santana who was placed on the 15-day DL prior to the game.

Highly touted prospect Matt Harvey is a long shot option to start Wednesday for the Mets, as he starts for Buffalo tonight.  GM Sandy Alderson says that Harvey is a viable option for the Mets rotation soon though.

Chris Capuano threw a strong game against his former team, striking out nine in seven innings, giving up three earned runs on eight hits.

For the Mets offense, Ronny Cedeno hit his second homerun of the season, landing in the second deck in the sixth inning.  He finished the game 2 for 3, adding a double in addition to the homerun.

Scott Hairston was also able to get two hits in the game.

In addition to Valdespin’s pinch hit single, the Mets got more production from their bench as Daniel Murphy knocked a pinch hit triple into right center in the 8^th inning.

The Mets had a surprise player come out of the bullpen today in All-Star R.A. Dickey.  It was his first relief outing of the season. He retired the first two batters of the inning quickly, but surrendered a two-out single to James Loney followed by a deep homerun to leftfield by Uribe.  Uribe entered the game 1 for his last 38 at the plate, but was able to knock in four RBI’s this afternoon en route to a 2 for 3 performance in which he also walked twice and scored three runs. 

With another series loss already guaranteed, the Mets will look to just salvage a win out of the series and avoid dropping under .500 Sunday afternoon.  Jon Niese (7-4, 3.58 ERA) will take the mound for the Mets and be opposed by Dodgers starter Nathan Eovaldi (1-6, 4.33 ERA).

Johan Santana Lands on 15-Day DL

Johan Santana Lands on 15-day DL

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Mets starting pitcher Johan Santana was placed on the 15-day DL this morning with a sprained right ankle.

Santana suffered the injury July 6^th against the Chicago Cubs when he awkwardly fell while trying to cover first base on a groundball to first baseman Justin Turner.

People around the Mets believe that the ankle injury has messed up Santana’s delivery, as he has had to rely on his surgically repaired left arm more during his windup.  This in turn has caused fatigue in the arm, so in addition to healing up the ankle Santana needs rest to build back up arm strength in the arm.

“Ever since the ankle injury, basically he’s lost his command,” said Mets manager Terry Collins.  “We don’t think he can land properly … he is using all arm to pitch with, causing some fatigue in his shoulder, (but) no pain.  There’s just nothing there.  So we’re gonna disable him and get him some rest.  Let the ankle heal and rebuild the arm strength back a little bit.”

Replacing Santana will be a tough task for Collins and GM Sandy Alderson to decide upon.  With Dillon Gee already on the DL, the Mets were scrambling for starting pitching help.  Miguel Batista was making the start for Gee Saturday afternoon and Jeremy Hefner has been called up to replace Santana on the roster.  Hefner is tentatively scheduled to start in place of Santana Wednesday in Washington.  The addition to Santana to the DL will also add fuel to the fire of prospect Matt Harvey being called up to make his major league debut.

Since throwing the first no-hitter in Mets franchise history, Johan Santana has struggled mightily. 

He has given up five or more earned runs in three straight starts and has compiled an ERA of 6.54 in eight starts since the 134 pitch no hitter.  Those eight starts include surrendering 11 homeruns in only 42 2/3 innings.