Hot outfielders have helped bolster Mets' offense
Curtis Granderson runs the bases after hitting a solo home run in the first inning of a game against the Miami Marlins at Marlins Park on May 5, 2014 in Miami. Credit: Getty Images / Rob Foldy
The Mets' offense has shown signs of emerging from its slumber, and the outfielders have led the way.
Entering Monday night's game against the Marlins, the outfielders had batted .373 with a .447 on-base percentage during the previous week. Both totals led all of baseball. The outfield's combined .985 on-base plus slugging percentage during the previous week ranked second to the Blue Jays.
The recent upswing can be attributed to a productive road trip for Chris Young (.421 average), Juan Lagares (.400) and Curtis Granderson (.368). Eric Young Jr. and Bobby Abreu also have been part of the rotation.
"We thought with consistent at-bats that Chris Young would be the offensive player he was, and he's starting to show that," manager Terry Collins said. "Juan's getting better. You know what EY's going to do and Grandy's starting to get going. So we're very happy."
The Mets began play fifth in the National League at 4.27 runs per game even though they ranked second-to-last in average (.230) and slugging (.336). The lineup as a whole has been more productive of late, particularly during the four games against the Rockies. "We hit the ball very well," Collins said. "We hit the ball all over the park."
Extra bases
Matt Harvey joined the Mets from the team's complex in Port St. Lucie, where he has been continuing his rehab after Tommy John surgery. He's still about a month away from throwing off a mound for the first time since surgery . . . With the Nets in town to face the Heat, injured Brooklyn center Brook Lopez watched batting practice at Marlins Park. Former Mets star Mike Piazza, who lives in the area, also made an appearance.
