Mets invest in new high-tech pitching machine

The New York Mets were in sports headlines ahead of what became a 2-0 loss at the Los Angeles Dodgers on Thursday night when it was learned that star shortstop Francisco Lindor would miss that game because he accidentally closed a door at his hotel room on his finger. 

This spring is nevertheless going alright for the 35-18 Mets, as they entered Friday holding a solid 9.5-game lead over the second-place Atlanta Braves in the National League East standings. They will also have a new toy to play with purchased by owner Steve Cohen when they return from their current road trip after June 12. 

According to Mike Puma of the New York Post, the Mets purchased a new high-tech pitching machine from Canada that is meant to replicate the deliveries of pitchers from around MLB. 

"[The machine] will be the pitcher, so if we draw up Clayton Kershaw we will be facing Kershaw, his windup and everything and his pitches," hitting coach Eric Chavez explained on Thursday. 

Chavez added that "three or four other teams" have similar technology. He also said the machine cannot be used during games per MLB rules. 

"That’s one of the huge differences we have seen from the start," Mets outfielder Brandon Nimmo said of Cohen's reign that began in the fall of 2020. "If it’s going to help the team succeed then [Cohen] is willing to do it, so it really doesn’t come down to a cost factor."