The Mets will travel to face the Detroit Tigers today at 1:05 PM in Lakeland. Here are some of the things I’ll be looking for during today’s matchup…
This could be Steven Matz’s last appearance with the big club.
With the myriad of players sent down to minor league camp over the past few days, including Noah Syndergaard after Friday’s game, Saturday may be Steven Matz’s final start in major league camp this Spring.
Matz has been exciting to watch during Grapefruit League play, pitching to a 1.50 ERA in three games and one start, but with Dillon Gee or perhaps Rafael Montero being discussed to take the place of the injured Zack Wheeler in the rotation, it’s evident that the Mets don’t think Matz is a candidate right now. But, that’s okay. Today probably won’t be the last time you see Matz this season.
Lucas Duda hasn’t gotten it going yet.
It’s only been five games, and after missing nearly a month of activity due to an oblique injury, you can’t expect for Lucas Duda to get back into gear right away, but he has struggled since his return.
In 17 at-bats so far in Grapefruit League play, Duda is hitting .118 with a .167 on-base percentage. These numbers shouldn’t be a cause for concern, as Spring Training results are often meaningless as it pertains to the regular season, especially for older players, and, as I just said, he’s coming off of an injury.
The one statistic to keep an eye on, however, is how Lucas is faring against left-handed pitching. So far this spring, Duda is 0-for-7 against lefties.
The left-handed reliever carousel continues.
The search for bullpen help from the left-handed side is still ongoing, and a pair of Mets will get their cracks to impress in Saturday’s game. Both Jack Leathersich (11.25 ERA) and Dario Alvarez (7.71 ERA) are scheduled to pitch against the Tigers.
Leathersich has work to do to be a major factor in the lefty reliever search. But, while his ERA may not reflect it, he’s actually looked very solid of late, allowing no runs, one hit, and most important no walks with three strikeouts over 2.2 IP in his last four relief appearances.
After allowing four runs without retiring a batter in a game against the Washington Nationals on March 12th, Alvarez has looked a little better recently as well, allowing no runs, no hits and one walk–which has been an issue for him early in Spring–while striking out one over 1.1 IP in his last two appearances.
Today’s game will not be televised, but can be heard on 710 WOR and on MLB Gameday audio.
Just Mets 