4. Aces In The Hole
Like previously mentioned, the injury to David Wright became a huge blow to this squad. It also doesn’t look as though the captain is coming back anytime soon.
In any event, if Travis d’Arnaud can get back in the lineup relatively soon and actually stay there, New York would finally possess that dangerous middle of the lineup bat they sorely need.
It’s already confirmed that the Mets catcher has arrived as a big leaguer. His .296 average, four home runs and 19 runs batted in through just 19-games played this season proves just that.
Not only will d’Arnaud’s return help matters, but should Lucas Duda build off his late two home runs from the end of the second-half and Michael Cuddyer find his veteran stroke, this lineup could pull its weight.
Or, at least pull enough weight to not let the arms down every night.
Even Steven Matz returning as a bonafide No. 3 playoff rotation arm will be critical.
