(Photo via sportingnews.com)

The New York Mets took two out of three from the Pittsburgh Pirates this Memorial Day weekend, outscoring the Bucs 19-8. A big dent has been made in their injury woes as well.

Although the bullpen problems were brought to the surface again in Saturday’s 5-4 loss, the Mets offense has been chugging along, with the return of key players Lucas Duda, Asdrubal Cabrera, and Travis D’Arnaud. D’Arnaud (.221 BA, 18 RBI, 5 HR, in 68 AB) had a strong showing Saturday, going 3-5 with two RBIs and a dinger. Cabrera (.242 BA, 14 RBIs, 3 HR in 124 AB) also hit, going 2-4 Sunday night with two RBIs and a double. Duda (.267 BA, 15 RBI, 6 HR in 86 AB), had the strongest series out of the three, going 5-13 with three doubles, two home runs, and 4 RBIS in the three games.

With Jose Reyes (.207 BA, 16 RBI, 3 HR in 169 AB), Neil Walker (.268 BA, 28 RBI, 6 HR in 179 AB), and Curtis Granderson (.178 BA, 18 RBI, 4 HR in 157 AB) starting to hit a little bit, the Mets offense does not seem to be a problem, as they have averaged 5.5 runs over the past 10 games. They will have to continue without Yoenis Cespedes (.270 BA, 10 RBI, 6 HR in 63 AB), who was scratched from a rehab start in St. Lucie (Single A) Saturday after experiencing quad soreness.

Despite Cespedes’ return being delayed, New York will receive much needed help for their pitching staff soon. Steven Matz pitched five perfect innings in Las Vegas (Triple A) Sunday, and after an embarrassing rehab start May 23^rd for Seth Lugo in St. Lucie (Single A) where he gave up seven runs on three innings, he was able to give a quality start for Binghamton (Double A) Sunday, giving up three runs in six innings.

Only time will tell what the Mets decide to do once these two return to the 25-man roster, but one thing is for certain: the Mets need a consistent pitcher in their bullpen. Their most recent signing, Neil Ramirez, has proven to not be effective, giving up three runs in 2.1 innings so far. New York currently has the worst ERA in the league at 4.93. 

New York will start a seven game home stand Monday against Milwaukee.