☀️ GOOD MORNING:
The All-Star break is finally here. And through all the ups and downs — the season-ending injuries, DFA’ed relievers, third-base merry go rounds, catching changes, bullpen games started by “TBD” (aka, people you’d never heard of two months ago) — the New York Mets find themselves virtually tied for first place, a half game behind the Phillies and securely in a wildcard spot.
Could things be better? No doubt. The bullpen is flimsy. The team can’t hit with runners in scoring position. And the rotation, until the last few days, was held together with fun tack.
But the point is, Carlos Mendoza’s squad has weathered these storm clouds, and finds itself in a strong position to go deep into October if the starting pitching continues to look like it did versus Kansas City.
Speaking of which: It sure didn’t feel like it after the way Sunday’s game concluded with a ninth inning walkoff for the Royals, but all things considered, the Mets ended the first half on a high note. They took 2 of 3 from a decent Royals team, did it on the road, and got very encouraging performances from three previously injured starters in Kodai Senga, Frankie Montas, and Sean Manaea.
Would it have been amazing to end the first half on a come-from-behind victory to secure the sweep? Of course — and the Amazin’s came close to pulling it off. But this club has shown throughout the first 97 games of the season (which is much more than half the season, by the way) that it can hang with anyone. And for all but four of the Mets (who are headed to Atlanta this week for some festivities), some much-needed rest is on the way.
☕️ While JB is away on vacation with his family, grab your coffee for your morning dose of Mets Fix!
BATTLE ROYALE
The Mets continued a bizarre streak in which they lose their final game before an All-Star break, a trend that now extends all the way back to 2015.
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