Game Chat: Royals vs. Mets, 1:40 P.M.

Sunday, April 14, 2024 • 1:10 PM
Citi Field • Flushing, NY
LHP Cole Ragans (0-1, 2.60) vs. RHP Jose Buttó (0-0, 1.50)
SNY

The New York Mets offense looks to keep rolling for one more game against the Kansas City Royals as the Mets seek to clinch a series win. Yesterday, the Mets were able to score seven runs, fueled by Pete Alonso’s two home run and three-hit day, but everything else fell apart and the Mets lost, 11-7.

This afternoon is also Dwight Gooden’s jersey retirement ceremony as the Mets continue a recent tradition over the last couple of seasons of recognizing the great players who have made their mark in the organization’s history.

Mets Lineup

1. Brandon Nimmo – LF
2. Starling Marte – DH
3. Franciso Lindor – SS
4. Pete Alonso – 1B
5. Tyrone Taylor – RF
6. Franciso Alvarez – C
7. Jeff McNeil – 2B
8. Zack Short – 2B
9. Harrison Bader – CF

Jose Buttó has rejoined the Mets’ organization. Buttó barely lost the rotation spot at the start of the season to Tylor Megill as both players had dominant springs. Because of roster rules, Buttó could not be recalled until earlier this week. He was able to make a spot start for the Mets during the first week of the season due to the Mets doubleheader against the Tigers as the 27th man.

During that start, he allowed one run via three hits and three walks while striking out six batters in six innings of work.

The only member of the Royals who has seen Buttó in a major league game is Garrett Hampson (1-for-2).

Royals Lineup

1. Maikel Garcia – 3B
2. Bobby Witt – SS
3. Vinnie Pasquantino – 1B
4. Salvador Perez – C
5. MJ Melendez – LF
6. Nelson Velazquez – DH
7. Adam Frazier – 2B
8. Hunter Renfroe – RF
9. Kyle Isbel – CF

The Mets’ bats will have their work cut out for them this afternoon as they face off against Cole Ragans. Over three starts this season, Ragan has allowed five runs from 16 hits over 17 1/3 innings (2.60 ERA, 2.61 FIP, 1.269 WHIP, 162 ERA+). He looked a lot more human in his last start against the Astros allowing three runs on ten hits over five innings.

Ragans had an excellent start against the Mets last year where he held the Mets scoreless over six innings, scattering seven hits while striking out eight. The Mets have the following career numbers against him:

• Pete Alonso 0-3
• Francisco Alvarez 0-2, BB, K
• Brett Baty 0-3, 2 K
• Francisco Lindor 0-3, K
• Jeff McNeil 3-3
• Zack Short 0-1, 2 BB, K

Game Notes

Prior to the game, the Mets will be retiring Doc Gooden’s No. 16. The Mets have confirmed that fans should be seated by 1:00 pm ET for the ceremony.

The Mets announced prior to the game that they’ve recalled pitchers Jose Buttó and Grant Hartwig. In a corresponding move, they have optioned pitchers Tyler Jay and Cole Sulser.

Three Things To Watch For

1. Pete Alonso’s 200th home run: While it’s unlikely to happen today, a milestone home run No. 200 is in reach for Alonso. He had two homers in Saturday’s game, bringing him to 198 for his career. Alonso has played 698 career games. Ryan Howard reached this mark in 658 games and Aaron Judge took 671 games. Pete Alonso is trying to beat out the legendary Ralph Kiner (706 games).
2. Fundamentals and luck. The game fell apart for the Mets in the fourth inning on Saturday when Starling Marte dropped a fly ball and then later Brandon Nimmo knocked a ball over the fence while trying to make a leaping play. Francisco Lindor also was unable to tag Garrett Hampson on a bizarre play on the base paths. It’s baseball and random things will happen from time to time. On Saturday those events defined the game. Hopefully, the Mets play with tighter fundamentals today cutting down the chances for another bizarre game.
3. Edwin Díaz: It has been a while since we have seen the most electric closer in baseball. For the first week or so of the season the Mets had to use Díaz every other day because the bullpen was stretched so thin. As the Mets haven’t played a close game in a while, he’s gotten an extended rest.

The post Game Chat: Royals vs. Mets, 1:40 P.M. appeared first on Metsmerized Online.