The New York Mets have been one of the best teams in baseball this season, but a six-game losing streak brought them even with the Philadelphia Phillies in the NL East. It now appears mounting injuries will influence how New York approaches the MLB trade deadline.
In a Q&A for Bleacher Report, MLB insider Jon Heyman of the New York Post shared that the Mets’ focus at the trade deadline will be pitching.
“They are going to be looking at pitching at the deadline? I think they’re going to be a buyer”
Jon Heyman on what the New York Mets will be focused on at MLB trade deadline
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Heading into MLB games today, the numbers put up by the Mets’ pitching staff look great. The club boasts the lowest ERA (3.05) in baseball with the fifth-lowest batting average allowed (.230) to opponents. However, New York ranks 18th in quality starts (25) and depth has become a glaring issue.
Tylor Megill (3.95) just landed on the 15-day injured list with an elbow sprain that is expected to sideline him for at least a month. Meanwhile, Kodai Senga (1.47 ERA) is out with a Grade 1 hamstring strain that will keep him off the mound for a few weeks.
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- New York Mets rotation stats (FanGraphs): 3.03 ERA (1st in MLB), .226 BAA (5th in MLB), 1.26 WHIP (16th in MLB) in 395.2 innings pitched (16th in MLB)
While the Mets’ rotation does have the lowest ERA in baseball this season, that mark has fallen to a 3.46 ERA in June. The hopes for Frankie Montas to provide depth for the pitching staff have also taken a hit, with the 32-year-old allowing 30 hits and 10 walks in 18.2 innings pitched with a 12.05 ERA on his rehab assignment.
Fortunately for New York, Brooks Rakley just began a rehab assignment and Sean Manaea is on a rehab stint as he works his way back from an oblique injury. However, even when both pitchers return, the Mets will likely have to focus on acquiring more arms in July.
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