As the Mets explore ways to generate some offense these days, they might have found one solution they could easily solve.
On Sunday, Daniel Murphy went 3-for-5 with three singles while batting third in the lineup. Because he was successful in that spot, Terry Collins might consider using Murphy there again tonight in Chicago.
“If that kick-starts him that is something we’ve certainly got to have,” Collins explained. “He’s a big piece of our offense and if he starts swinging the bat it’s going to give us a different look.”
It’s not a place in the lineup Murphy has been successful in historically. He has a .567 OPS with 19 extra-base hits and 23 RBI in 369 plate appearances while batting third.
However, Murphy has been one of the most productive hitters for the Mets in their last 13 games. He’s hit .340 with an .845 OPS during that span, reaching base 19 times during that span.
Right now, Murphy may be the best option to bat third, even though he isn’t an ideal middle-of-the-order bat. He’s best suited to be a table setter in the second spot in the lineup, and he’s had the most success there in his career.
But, as he’s had to do a lot in his years with the Mets, he’s going to have to adjust to the roles the Mets need him so to fill immediate needs. His willingness to do that for this team has been admirable, whether he’s been successful or not.
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One response to “Terry Collins may leave Daniel Murphy in the third spot in the lineup”
What about the other shoe that dropped yesterday? Wilmer Flores was put in an RBI position in the batting order and responded with two hits and an RBI. It’s funny how no one says “boo” about his defense when he delivers with the bat. What’s the skipper going to do with him? Bench him or bat him 8th? 🙂
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