MLB 'will continue to monitor' Mets' hit-by-pitch frustrations
The New York Mets entered Wednesday afternoon's game at the St. Louis Cardinals holding the MLB lead for hitters plunked by pitches this season with 18 after three different players were beaned on Tuesday night.
New York's J.D. Davis was then hit by a low-and-inside throw in the top of the eighth inning of Wednesday's affair, and Mets reliever Yoan Lopez seemingly responded in the bottom half of the frame when he delivered a high-and-tight pitch to St. Louis third baseman Nolan Arenado that sparked a bench-clearing incident:
Following Tuesday's contest between the clubs, Mets right-hander Chris Bassitt claimed that "everyone in the league knows" there is a "very big problem with the baseballs" this spring, particularly regarding pitchers properly gripping the balls. On Wednesday morning, Mets manager Buck Showalter said the club had contacted the league office about the issue:
Per David Brandt of The Associated Press (h/t The Washington Post), the league has addressed New York's complaints.
"MLB is always concerned about keeping hitters safe from dangerous pitches,” MLB spokesman Michael Teevan explained. "We closely analyze trends in the game and have active conversations with our players and coaches to address concerns. Through April 26, leaguewide statistics show hit-by-pitch rates and wild pitch rates are down relative to previous seasons. However, one Club has been hit more than twice as often as the league average so far in 2022, which is something we will continue to monitor."
The Mets have left little doubt they'll retaliate if they feel future hit-by-pitch occurrences are intentional. It's unclear exactly what MLB will do other than "monitor" if this situation continues through May.
More must-reads: