3 Up, 3 Down: Mets Split With Braves In Up And Down Series

There are many words to describe what the New York Mets went through this past weekend.

Jubilation. Heartbreak. Hope. Crushing disappointment. The Mets lived through every emotion possible in their four-game split against the Braves.

It was a four-game set that highlighted how tight the Wild Card race is and will be the rest of the way. We saw new arrivals and the return of an ace, one that proved to be short-lived.

All in all, this past series against the Braves could have gigantic implications for the Mets as they continue to battle for a Wild Card spot.

And, on that note, let’s dive into the latest edition of 3 Up, 3 Down …

3 UP

REINFORCEMENTS 

President of baseball operations David Stearns was a busy guy during the Braves series. He added more bullpen help with the addition of Ryne Stanek from the Mariners. Then, in need of a lefty bat, Stearns acquired outfielder Jesse Winker from the Nationals. More still needs to be done, with a starter now the main priority. However, this was a good start for Stearns, and we’ll see what further moves he can make as we inch closer to the deadline.

NEEDED RELIEF 

It was a mixed series for the bullpen, with some good and some bad. José Buttó belongs in the former category. The starter-turned-reliever pitched three scoreless innings, striking out four. He also stranded two runners when he entered the game, meaning Buttó has now stranded all six inherited runners this season. As much as the Mets need rotation help, Buttó has proven to be a valuable asset in the bullpen.

POWER DISPLAY

It feels weird to praise the offense after what we witnessed on Saturday and Sunday. However, you have to give props when they are earned. And we saw some encouraging signs from important power hitters in this series. J.D. Martinez, who had been mired in an all-time slump, broke out with a huge grand slam in the third inning of Friday’s game. Hopefully, that sparks a turnaround for the veteran slugger.

However, it is important to note he struck out four times on Saturday. So, maybe not. Additionally, Pete Alonso, who entered the weekend with just three homers in July, blasted a two-run shot on Sunday. As such, not only did it prevent the Mets from being shut out, but it could serve as a jumping-off point for Alonso as we get ready to enter August.

3 DOWN

HEARTBREAK CITY

For a hot minute, all was right in Mets world on Friday. The hitters were doing their jobs. And Kodai Senga, making his 2024 debut, looked unstoppable. He picked up right where he left off, striking out nine and allowing two earned runs on two hits with one walk in 5.1 innings. Then, disaster struck. Senga went down, clutching his left calf, and left the game.

Confirmation of the worst-case scenario arrived on Saturday when Mets manager Carlos Mendoza announced that Senga is likely done for the year. It is heartbreaking for Senga, who worked so hard to return in the first place. It is also a crushing blow for the Mets, who need another starter given all the uncertainty over the rotation.

BRUTAL FIRST IMPRESSION

A good first impression is key. That’s true in life, and it is true in sports, too. Unfortunately for Ryne Stanek, he will want a do-over. After being acquired from the Mariners on Friday, Stanek made his Mets debut on Sunday, and it did not go well. He allowed three runs on two homers in a seventh inning that spiraled quickly. To compound matters, boos followed Stanek as he left the mound. Look, it is only one game. Stanek wasn’t acquired for just one game. However, on the flip side, that isn’t how you want to introduce yourself to a new fanbase. Consequently, Stanek will need to do much better in his second outing.

FALLING FLAT

The series against the Braves was a mixed bag for the Mets’ offense. The lineup scored a combined 11 runs in the first two games. Meanwhile, in the final two games of the series, the Mets managed a measly two runs. That included a shutout in Saturday’s game. Perhaps more alarming is that the lineup struck out 14 times on Saturday, with J.D. Martinez leading the way with four. That’s not good at all. It was so bad the offense went 20 innings without scoring a run before Pete Alonso blasted a home run on Sunday.

Furthermore, the offense went 4-for-24 with runners in scoring position against the Braves. As a result, the Mets went from the first Wild Card back to the third Wild Card in a matter of days. The offense has been too streaky since the All-Star break, and that can’t continue.

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