The New York Mets struggled to find their rhythm at the plate, losing 6-1 against the St. Louis Cardinals at Roger Dean Stadium in Jupiter, Florida.
After dropping this one, they are now 4-6 in the Grapefruit League.
Brett Baty and Luisangel Acuña were tested at their new positions, second and third base, respectively.
Baty Stands Out Amidst a Silent Lineup
Spring training has been Baty’s playground, and even on days when the Mets’ offense was non-existent, he found a way to contribute.
The 24-year-old not only played seven innings at second base—an crucial test as he seeks a utility role—but also reached base twice, with a hit and a walk. That level of consistency is exactly what he needs to persuade the Mets that he belongs on the Opening Day roster.
Baty is now slashing.444/.500/.833, indicating that he deserves another chance in the major leagues.
Offense Struggles Again
If the Mets’ offense were a rollercoaster, it would have stopped at the top after Saturday’s 10-run outburst. Since then, they’ve scored just six runs in three games.
Tuesday’s performance was not much better, as they only mustered five hits and two walks. Opportunities to score were scarce, and when they did occur, the Mets were unable to capitalize.
Megill and Company Hold Their Own
On the mound, there were some positive indicators. Tylor Megill, who is expected to be a major member of the rotation following the injuries to Frankie Montas and Sean Manaea, allowed just one run in 2.2 innings.
Megill, Ryne Stanek, and Reed Garrett, all of whom are projected to contribute in the major leagues, combined for 4.2 innings of one-run work and five strikeouts.
While the offense failed, the pitching staff, or at least the three aforementioned pitchers, held their own against a strong Cardinals lineup that included Nolan Arenado, Brendan Donovan, Masyn Winn, and others.
Spring training is all about adjustments, and the Mets’ offense will need to regain its feet quickly.
