It’s finally happened. The Mets are back at the .500 mark, and Miguel Batista was finally DFA’d after another abysmal performance yesterday. It’s pretty amazing how one player has had such a big hand in the Mets downward spiral. It’s unfortunate that it took management so long to make this move. But it is what it is, and maybe this could be addition by subtraction. With Batista finally being axed and Santana going on the DL, there will be blood. New blood that is. There will be a call-up to replace Johan, whether it’s Collin McHugh or Matt Harvey, and Batista’s spot was taken by Elvin Ramirez.
On to today’s game. If the Mets ever needed a W, it’s today. Jon Niese (7-4 3.58 ERA) will oppose Nathan Eovaldi (1-6 4.33). Niese essentially must throw a complete game shutout for the Mets to win today. The bullpen is so pathetic that Terry Collins used RA Dickey in relief yesterday. And how did that work out? A 2-run home run? So not too good. Niese has basically been the Mets best pitcher for going on 6 weeks. The Mets lit up Eovaldi back in LA about 3 weeks go, so hopefully Niese will get some run support.
The game can be seen on WPIX and heard on WFAN 660 AM. First pitch is scheduled for 1:10 pm.
Starting Lineups via Metsblog.com
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New York Mets
1) Ruben Tejada SS |
Los Angeles Dodgers
1) Jerry Hairston Jr. LF |
Who’s HOT for the Mets…? Jordany Valdespin IS THE MAN RIGHT NOW! In the month of July, Jordany is 10 for 19 with 4 HR, 8 RBI, and has6 runs scored. It’s nice to see Terry Collins FINALLY get this kid in the starting lineup.
Who’s HOT for the Dodgers…? Matt Kemp has picked up right where he left off before going on the DL. He’s 7 for 22 with 2 HR and 6RBI.
Pitching Matchup
Jon Niese (7-4 3.58 ERA) will get the start for the Mets today. Jon has gone at least 6 innings in his last 8 starts. Last time out against the Nats, Jon was very good. In seven innings he allowed just one run on three hits, while striking out eight. The last time he walked more than two batter in a start was all the way back at the end of May. So you can expect him to pump stikes all day. While Jon has been pitching very well, like most fans, I’d like to see him throw more curveballs and stop falling in love with the cutter.
Nathan Eovaldi (1-6 4.33) will oppose Niese today. In Nathan’s start against the Mets earlier in the year, Ike Davis’s 3 run blast in the 6th inning was the final blow that capped off the Mets 5-1 victory. Eovaldi was in the strike zone all night, so the Mets better come out swinging today and not fall into the ever popular 0-2 count.
