Players of the Week: Soto, Díaz Provide the Thrills

The Mets started the week strong, winning two against the first-place AL Central Tigers. They then traveled to Cincinnati to play the Reds. They managed to hold on to a lead in the first game to secure the win; however, they dropped the next two in the series. This brings the Mets’ record to 76-67 for the season. They hold a slim four-game lead over the Reds and Giants for the remaining NL Wild Card spot.

Offensive Player of the Week: Juan Soto

Juan Soto is continuing his superb play into September. Last week, he slashed .435/.552/.957 with an OPS of 1.508. He crushed three home runs and drove in nine RBIs. Soto’s most impressive game last week was against the Tigers on September 1, when he hit a grand slam to help secure the Mets’ victory. He also managed to knock in two more runs to bring his total RBIs for the game to six.

Pitcher of the Week: Edwin Díaz

Edwin Díaz was an exhilarating player to watch this week. Díaz appeared in two games, in which he recorded a save in each. Díaz kept Mets fans on the edge of their seats in Friday’s game against the Reds. He came into the game with a one-run lead. He then proceeded to give up a hit, followed by two walks to load the bases, with no outs. Díaz must like to pitch under pressure, because he then struck out the next two batters, followed by a ground-out to Luisangel Acuña to finish the save opportunity.

Honorable Mention: Brandon Sproat

Brandon Sproat was the latest Mets prospect to be called up, and he impressed in his debut. Sproat took a no-hit bid into the sixth inning. In the sixth, he gave up three hits and two earned runs, which unfortunately cost him the win in his first game. He finished with six innings pitched, giving up three earned runs, three hits and four walks while striking out seven. Flanked by Nolan McLean and Jonah Tong, the future of the Mets’ rotation is looking good so far.

Up Next

The Mets travel to Philadelphia to take on the Phillies in a four-game series. The Mets are currently seven games behind the Phillies. While not mathematically eliminated from winning the NL East yet, the Mets have a lot of ground to make up. A sweep against the Phillies is a must-have for that to happen. The Mets then host the Rangers at Citi Field starting on Friday, September 12. While the Texas Rangers have not yet released their starters for this series, former Mets ace Jacob deGrom may take the mound in one of them, making it his first start at Citi Field since leaving the Mets.

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