The New York Mets bats pounded the San Diego Padres bullpen on Sunday even without Yoenis Cespedes as he was forced to leave the game with a thumb injury.
- New York Mets 14 (17-9)
- San Deigo Padres 2 (10-19)
- NL, Final, Box Score
- PetCo Park, San Diego, California
Good things are happening in the Amazin’ land of the New York Mets at the moment. Specifically speaking, owning a player fresh off of vengeance.
Former San Diego Padres standout Adrian Gonzalez returned home on Sunday and promptly had himself a day. His 3-6, five RBI, one homer day paced the Mets in their blowout 14-2 victory over the NL West club on Sunday afternoon, via AP.
“It’s always good to be here, be in front of family and friends and loved ones, and overall just try to do what you can to help the team win,” Gonzalez said.
Gonzo led the way for an offense that featured every hitter collect at least two hits. Jose Reyes, who received the start in favor of Amed Rosario on this day, smacked his first home run of the season as a tack-on job in the eighth inning.
Did we mention earlier that @Adrian_ElTitan is Petco Park's all-time home run leader, too? pic.twitter.com/dnUAVVeHjC
— New York Mets (@Mets) April 29, 2018
Fun fact: @Adrian_ElTitan is Petco park's all-time leader in RBIs.
He just added on with a RBI double! 4-0 #Mets! pic.twitter.com/4yJrS7Coyz
— New York Mets (@Mets) April 29, 2018
#Bruuuce gets us on the board with a single to score @ynscspds!
We lead 1-0. #LGM pic.twitter.com/WlcVUCBUKe
— New York Mets (@Mets) April 29, 2018
Cespedes’ Thumb
Amazingly, the offensive outburst coming against a solid Pads bullpen was executed without the full-game services of Yoenis Cespedes. Yes, he did collect two hits in two at-bats on the afternoon, but was forced to leave the contest due to a thumb injury that came when he slid head-first into third base as part of a double steal in the top of the third.
It’s an injury Cespedes has dealt with prior and feels as though he’ll be out three days, via Kristie Ackert of the New York Daily News.
“It’s not the first time this thing happened to me,” Cespedes said. “When I was playing with Oakland it happened a couple times. I would say I will take off three days.”
Wheeling and Dealing
Zack Wheeler delivered on Sunday. While Matt Harvey and Steven Matz continue to struggle, Wheeler bounced back from his poorest outing of the year by throwing five innings while only relenting two runs on six hits and striking out nine San Diego batters.
Zack Wheeler, Filthy Splitter (Grip/Release/slow). ? pic.twitter.com/OqBYYFmHHQ
— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) April 29, 2018
The Matz Decision and Bruce at 1B
The struggling lefty threw a bullpen session on Sunday that’ll determine his future. The session will be used to assess his overall pain and decide whether or not a skipped start in the rotation is necessary. Mickey Callaway has already stated his next start isn’t guaranteed.
Jay Bruce will be mixed into the first base equation this coming week, according to Mike Puma of the New York Post. On paper, it does make sense with Brandon Nimmo and Juan Lagares playing their way into more playing time.
“I think he’s aware at some point in his career that’s probably where he’s going to end up,” Callaway said. “That’s the natural progression I think for a guy like him. I don’t know that’s going to be consistently this year but I think that he’s aware.”
Next Up
The Mets are now 17-9 on the season after taking the San Deigo series and remain 1.5 games clear of both the Philadelphia Phillies and Atlanta Braves in the NL East.
They’ll enjoy an off-day prior to returning to home action on Tuesday night at Citi Field against those young and surprising Braves. It’ll kick off the first of a six-game homestand. First pitch comes your way at 7:10 p.m. ET.
