Steven Matz – Mets (SNY.tv)

So far, the 2017 season has been a frustrating one for the Mets. Injuries have derailed the team from winning games, along with making the fanbase restless. If this past weekend was any indication though, the good times are about to begin. 

Seth Lugo, Steven Matz and Yoenis Cespedes all returned to the team this weekend after trips to the DL. The Braves fell victim to a big reunion by The Amazins, only winning one out of the four games played. A big piece in the trio, Cespedes, came back with a bang, literally. The outfielder hit a grand slam during game one of a Saturday doubleheader, showing off the clutch hitting the Mets missed. He ended up going 2-for-5. 

httpss://twitter.com/Mets/status/873640705624879105

Speaking to the media through an interpreter after the game, Cespedes discussed how he got back to form after all that time off. He stated: 

“It’s not easy for any ball player to miss that much time and still have good timing down. In my case, I have been playing for the last seven years and I just tried to stay calm and hit good pitches.”

While he is off the DL, Cespedes stated he is not fully 100%, meaning it would be questionable to test out his recently strained left hamstring. As time goes on, the Mets hope the feeling of being at the ballpark will get Cespedes back into the swing of things, both at the plate and on the field. 

After winning game one of a doubleheader on Saturday 6-1, it was up to Steven Matz to seal the deal in game two. Making his first start of the season since coming back from left elbow inflammation, Matz dominated the Braves in seven innings of five hit ball. He also struck out two while only walking one. Matz also got some run support by the team, resulting in an 8-1 win. Meeting Matz on Friday, he stated that he was willing to do whatever it took to stay in the rotation and help this team move on from their troubles. The team stated they would be moving to a six man rotation, so spreading out some of Matz’s starts might be good for his health. 

Yesterday afternoon, it was Seth Lugo’s turn to get in on the action. Suffering from a partial UCL tear to begin the season, Lugo continued his dominating ways from his time in the World Baseball Classic. Still sporting some blonde streaks in his hair, Lugo did not miss a beat. In seven innings pitched, he allowed only two walks and struck out six. It only took him 90 pitches.

The performances by Lugo and Matz helped a tired bullpen who have had their recent struggles. In fact, this past week has been a huge improvement for the pitching staff. In the Mets’ last five games, the starting rotation has a 0.83 ERA, allowing only three earned runs in over 32 2/3 innings pitched. If they can get pushed to pitch more innings and players continue to produce, who knows what this team can accomplish.

This weekend was the first step in the right direction for the Mets. Healthy players can help this team succeed in a big way. As of this moment, it is crunch time for a team who is ready and willing to put the work in.