As we see the Mets play out this awful season as the Dog Days of August tick off. Things are not going to get better.
So like tonight, in the Diamondbacks 7-4 win over the Mets at a lifeless Citi Field, Tommy Milone, showed why the club kept him on the shelf for so long.
And that the long layoff didn’t affect his pitching. It was terrible before and terrible now.
In the last month of the season, as the Mets prepare for 2018, there is some hope that this club will be somewhat watchable.
Besides Dominic Smith and Amed Rosario – who looks like the real deal so far – both Matt Harvey and Noah Syndergaard are on the mend and will have a few starts down the stretch.
As will Jeurys Familia, who is pitching in Brooklyn the next few nights, and hopefully adds a fresh arm to the bullpen.
But the most intriguing development was announced today, as David Wright, the forgotten Met, started a rehab assignment in Port St. Lucie tonight and went 0-4 with two strikeouts as the DH. Sure it wasn’t much, but it was a start.
“This is a huge step going forward,” manager Terry Collins said. “I talked to him the other day, just told him to make sure he’s smart about it, which he will [be], I’m sure. I know he’s just DH-ing, but I’m really anxious to see how he felt. I know it’ll be a little different, but we can use him here, for sure.”
Wright’s days in the field may be over for now, as he has the problem throwing to first base, due to his neck surgery and spinal stenosis. However, he can still swing the bat and if Wright takes to hitting, he could possibly DH in Houston, because the Mets have a three-game series on Sep. 1 to Sep. 3.
Having Wright in the lineup for three games will give the Mets a life. They haven’t had their Captain around since May of last season and after that Collins can keep Wright as a right handed pinch hitter.
“His mindset is he wants to get back and play this season,” Collins said, so you know the will is there.
Will it happen? Well Wright will have to respond, but we may get a glimpse of what the Captain has left of anything. He’s a proud guy and if he can’t hit, it may make his decision to retire in the off-season easier.
And it will also give the fans something to cheer about as this terrible season come to an end.
There have been numerous rumors – all of which were unsubstantiated – that said the Mets would bring up Tim Tebow to sell some tickets in September.
Although that isn’t happened, bringing in Wright, who either will show he can play or have a victory tour should draw some interest down the stretch. In fact, that Aug. 27th may be the last day both David Wright and Jose Reyes will be at Citi Field together.
And if he can play, Collins may try Wright at first base for a few games against a tough lefty or even in the outfield, since the lack of arm strength puts third base out of commission.
So there’s going to be interest at Citi Field, even without the Tebow circus. David Wright is attempting a comeback and the Mets are better off for it.
“I’m just excited to think that this guy’s back on the field and that he’s possibly going to put this uniform on again and step in that batter’s box here at Citi Field,” Collins said. “That’s a pretty cool thought.”
Yes it is, Terry.
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