Here are five things to watch and predictions as the Mets and Athletics play a three-game series in Sacramento beginning on Friday at 10:05 p.m. on SNY.
Preview
How much more leeway does Brett Baty have?
Baty’s offensive struggles continued during the Mets’ series against the Marlins, and he also had a major defensive miscue — with his errant throw to second base leading to two Marlins runs during Wednesday’s loss.
As far as his issues at the plate, Baty continued to routinely fall behind in counts, expand the zone, and make weak contact.
After Wednesday’s game, he said part of what’s hurting him is “indecision,” adding that it could also be “pinned” to confidence.
Through 27 plate appearances over 10 games, Baty is slashing .111/.111/.148 with 11 strikeouts.
Jeff McNeil is expected to begin a rehab assignment this weekend, meaning his return could come within the next 10 days or so. That means Baty doesn’t have much time left — at least this time around — to prove he can hit at the big league level.
Is Kodai Senga about to be unleashed?
Senga, coming off a season mostly lost due to injury, has understandably been treated with kid gloves a bit during his first two starts.
That included his outing against the Marlins on Monday, when he tossed 5.0 shutout frames but was pulled at just 77 pitches.
Senga’s first start also ended after 5.0 innings and 77 pitches.
His results have been strong, though, with Senga carrying a 1.80 ERA (2.80 FIP), 1.10 WHIP and 10.8 strikeout rate into Sunday’s tilt against the A’s.
Given that Senga has two starts under his belt and will be pitching in much warmer weather in Sacramento compared to the frigid Citi Field, now seems like the time to start stretching him out.
Welcome to Sacramento
The A’s, who are without a true home for the next few years as they wait for their ballpark in Las Vegas to (hopefully) be ready after they sadly left Oakland in the dust, are playing this season at Sutter Health Park in Sacramento.
The ballpark, which is the home of the Giants’ Triple-A affiliate and has a capacity of roughly 14,000, has been a hitter’s haven during the Athletics’ first six games there.
In those six games, there have bee a combined 18 home runs hit and 70 runs scored. So this could possibly be an inviting scenario for the Mets’ offense, and maybe a coming-out party power-wise for Juan Soto.
The A’s, meanwhile, remain not very good.
They are 5-8 overall, 3-7 over their last 10 games, and have a -17 run differential that’s the worst in the American League and third-worst in baseball.
The Athletics’ lineup has some serious threats, including Tyler Soderstrom and Brent Rooker — two players the Mets should be careful with in an effort to exploit the weaker parts of the lineup.
Pete Alonso is sizzling
Alonso remains locked in.
He’s slashing .333/.451/.667 with three home runs and five doubles in 51 plate appearances over 12 games. And Alonso is hitting the ball incredibly hard — his average exit velocity, barrel percentage, and hard hit percentage are all in the 99th percentile.
Just as encouraging as Alonso’s results: the process.
He has been totally in control in most of his at-bats, showing an elite ability to put the barrel on the ball and terrific patience — something that is even more apparent when you look at his strikeout rate (he’s in the 92nd percentile) and walk rate (83rd percentile).
Hello, Luis Severino
Severino, one of the starting pitchers who helped the Mets make their memorable run to the NLCS last season, signed a two-year deal with the A’s during the offseason that contained a player option for 2027.
It’s been a mixed bag for Severino during his first three starts for the Athletics.
He fired 6.0 shutout innings on Opening Day, but has been touched up for five earned runs in each of his last two starts.
Severino gets the ball against Senga in Sunday’s series finale.
Predictions
Who will the MVP of the series be?
Mark Vientos
It’s been tough sledding for Vientos so far, but he’s reached base in five straight games and is seeing the ball much better.
Which Mets pitcher will have the best start?
Kodai Senga
Senga has been very effective so far despite still shaking off the rust.
Which A’s player will be a thorn in the Mets’ side?
Shea Langeliers
The backstop has already popped three homers this season.
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