New York Mets manager Mickey Callaway is proud of centerfielder Juan Lagares after a big day at the plate on Thursday.
The New York Mets completed a four-game sweep of the Arizona Diamondbacks on Thursday with an 11-1 victory. In the midst of the win, the team broke a franchise record for the most home runs hit in a single home game with six.
One of the big bats for the Mets during the rout of Arizona was Juan Lagares, normally one of their reserve outfielders. The Mets gave him the start in center field, awarding Brandon Nimmo the day off. Lagares proceeded to go 2-for-4 with two home runs and six RBIs. His day included his first-ever grand slam in the bottom of the third inning and an additional two-run homer in the bottom of the fifth.
“Another guy that the selflessness paid off,” manager Mickey Callaway said after the game, per Alex Smith of SNY. “He didn’t complain, he didn’t get down, he didn’t let it affect his work, he just kept on working. … He’s done it a couple times where he starts playing and all of a sudden he gets hot. That’s personality trait that Juan has. He comes in here to win.
“I’m really proud of him. You have to feel good for guys who take that approach and then have success like that.”
For the most part, Lagares has struggled from the plate during his 2019 campaign. Through 120 games, he has five home runs with 26 RBIs and a slash line of .215/.279/.335. However, despite the issues from the batter’s box, Lagares hasn’t folded.
“I just want to keep working. Every time I have the opportunity to be out there, I try to do my best,” Lagares said afterward.
“Everybody congratulated me, and that’s a special moment for me in my career.”
The Mets’ three-game series at Citi Field against the Los Angeles Dodgers will begin on Friday at 7:10 p.m. ET.
