Marcus Stroman Breezes in Spring Debut; Metsies Win
Analysis and highlights from Mets' 2-0 Grapefruit League win over Astros
The Mets beat the Astros, 2-0, in a seven-inning contest at Clover Park in Port St. Lucie, FL on Tuesday.
Marcus Stroman got in his first game action of the Grapefruit League season, working effortlessly through two perfect innings, inducing three groundouts with two strikeouts (30 pitches; 22 strikes).
His increased usage of the lower half of the strike zone with James McCann behind the plate was evident early, and Stroman was messing with hitters’ timing via pauses and hitches in his windup (as promised this winter on social media) soon thereafter.
McCann’s 61.8% strike rate on the lower quadrant of the zone last season ranked sixth in the majors among backstops. That should bode well for Stroman’s sinker-centric, lower-half-based arsenal.
Stroman unveiled his new split-fingered changeup on Tuesday, shared in clip form via everyone’s favorite pitching coach, Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) on Twitter.
Following his outing, Stroman spoke to the Mets’ press corps, touching on the new addition to his bag of tricks.
“That’s a new pitch for me. I’m still getting comfortable with it but to see the results today, it’s extremely encouraging,” he said. “I’ve never really had a changeup my entire career […] So to have that weapon in my back pocket as one of my pitches that are just kinda at the end of my repertoire feels really good.”
Something to keep an eye on.
Luis Guillorme — getting the start at third base — made a terrific play on a well-struck Jeremy Pena line drive in the third, keeping a sure base hit off Jordan Yamamoto’s line (2 IP, 2 H, K), and McCann threw out Freudis Nova on a strike-em-out, throw-em-out double play to end the inning.
Framber Valdez started for Houston, giving the Mets a look at a left-hander early in camp.
New York’s 114 wRC+ versus southpaws last season ranked seventh in MLB. Mets skipper Luis Rojas noted pregame that he was eager to see some of his left-handed hitters face lefty counterparts on Tuesday.
Naturally, Brandon Nimmo, Francisco Lindor (batting right-handed), and Michael Conforto went down in order in the first. Grapefruit League!
Jeff McNeil put the Mets ahead 1-0 in the second with a booming solo home run to right field.
McNeil’s 2019 power surge (23 home runs in 133 games) would be welcomed back with open arms into this 2021 lineup. Just another wrinkle.
Albert Almora tattooed his first home run of the spring off right-hander Carson LaRue in the fifth, giving the Mets a 2-0 lead.
The extra depth in centerfield is certainly an alluring aspect of the Mets’ revamped roster. If guys like Almora and Kevin Pillar contribute offensively, as well, watch out.
Nimmo went 1-for-2 with a double on the afternoon. He’s now 3-for-5 after two Grapefruit League games. Rojas has already tabbed Nimmo as his probable leadoff batter this season. Nice start.
Non-roster invitee Jose Peraza chipped in a double in the sixth and prospect Mark Vientos added an infield hit later in the frame to round out the Metsies’ offense.
In addition to Stroman and Yamamoto’s two clean innings of work apiece, a number of Mets hurlers got some action in on Tuesday.
Left-hander Jerry Blevins got out of a two-on, one-out jam in the fifth, right-hander Drew Smith put up a perfect frame in the sixth, and righty Sam McWilliams escaped a two-on, no-out jam of his own to close things out.
None are guaranteed a spot in the Mets’ bullpen this year, but any of the three would certainly be viable depth options if the need arises, albeit McWilliams likely a bit further off.
The Mets head to Jupiter, FL to take on the St. Louis Cardinals on Wednesday at 1:05 PM EST. The game will not be broadcast or televised locally.
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Tim Ryder nice recap with solid insight. Keep writing and I'll keep reading. I had the game on but I was preoccupied with work so I need the scoop from you! Thanks