Takeaways from Marlins/Mets weekend series
The sky seemed like it was falling in New York after the Mets were swept by the Brewers in Milwaukee early last week. After the team rebounded for a series victory against the Marlins this weekend, the sky is back in its normal resting spot.
Here are 5 takeaways from the Mets series victory over the Marlins:
5. Pete Alonso is an early NL MVP candidate
The Mets' first baseman is on a tear. The Polar Bear went 4-for-12 with two home runs and five RBI in the series.
Alonso has five home runs this season, tied for the most in the MLB. His 11 RBIs are tied for fifth-most.
4. The Mets have tough rotation decisions ahead
On Friday, Justin Verlander told reporters that he expects to return before the end of April. That will bump someone out of the Mets rotation.
Tylor Megill, who was called up to take Verlander’s spot, is 2-0 with a 1.64 ERA, while David Peterson is 0-1 with a 6.00 ERA.
One of those two will likely get sent down, but Sunday’s starter, Carlos Carrasco, has had a brutal start to 2023 in his own right. The veteran gave up six runs in the Mets loss to Miami on Sunday and surrendered five runs in his first start of the campaign.
Carrasco's fastball is sitting in the low 90's as of this posting, which is a concern. One of those three won't be on the roster come late April.
3. The Mets have a major catcher dilemma
Omar Narvaez was placed on the injured list before the series started, forcing the Mets to call up top prospect Francisco Alvarez. Alvarez did not play the first two games of the series but did start the finale.
The Mets have a dilemma at backstop. Alvarez needs more development and Tomas Nido is a better defensive catcher. The Mets also have a veteran pitching staff.
The club needs to decide whether Alvarez's development should take place in New York or Syracuse, because he is the future.
2. Kodai Senga is a star
The transition from Japan to the States has been a breeze for Senga.
Through two starts, he has thrown 11.1 innings, struck out 14, walked six, given up just two runs and holds a 1.59 ERA.
His famous forkball, known as the Ghost, has taken New York by storm.
1. The Marlins cannot wait to stop playing the Mets
The Mets and the Marlins have played seven of their first ten games against each other and it has not gone well for the team from Florida.
The Marlins are just 2-5 against the Mets in those matchups and have been outscored 38-20 against New York.
The Marlins will get a long break from playing their rival, at least. The two squads will not play again until September 18th.
More must-reads: