We’re used to seeing tape-measure home runs from Marlins slugger Giancarlo Stanton, but this opposite-field two-run laser off Cubs right-hander Jason Hammel in the first inning this evening might be more impressive:
I’d really love to know the exit-velocity on that one. It was gone in just under three seconds. What a rocket.
With tonight’s laser beam, Stanton moved in front of Colorado’s Troy Tulowitzki for the National League lead with 19 home runs. He’s also tops with 56 RBI.
Mets backup infielder Jose Reyes pinch-hit and popped up in the top of the eighth inning of Thursday night’s game in Atlanta against the Braves. That ran his streak up to 20 consecutive hitless plate appearances to start the 2018 season. He has reached base once, however, on a walk, so there’s that.
Reyes, 34, signed a one-year, $2 million contract with the Mets near the end of January. At the time, the Mets hadn’t yet signed Todd Frazier, so Reyes was in the mix to contribute as a utilityman but he has operated as a bat off the bench for the most part this season.
One wonders how much longer the Mets are going to let Reyes flounder. According to FanGraphs, he has already been worth a half-win less than a replacement-level player. Only eight other players have been as bad or worse this season.
