In Friday’s Grapefruit League action, the New York Mets faced off against the Washington Nationals at Clover Park. While the Mets ultimately fell short with a 7-3 loss, there were a few noteworthy moments that caught the attention of fans and observers.
One of the highlights of the game came from DJ Stewart, who belted his first home run of the spring. Stewart, who is vying for a spot as the left-handed designated hitter, showcased his power with a long blast that sailed over the fence. This impressive display of hitting certainly strengthens Stewart’s case for securing the DH position. So far this spring, Stewart has posted a .200 batting average, .286 on-base percentage, and .320 slugging percentage.
However, it wasn’t all smooth sailing for the Mets. Right-handed pitcher Shintaro Fujinami had a rough outing in the eighth inning. Fujinami struggled to find his rhythm, hitting a batter and walking the next three before being pulled from the game. As a result of his shaky performance, he was charged with three earned runs. This disappointing showing may raise concerns about Fujinami’s consistency and ability to perform under pressure.
In another interesting moment, outfielder Trayce Thompson found himself in an unusual situation. Thompson was called out on strikes due to a pitch clock violation at the beginning of the eighth inning. This rare occurrence caught the eye of many spectators, as violations of the pitch clock are not frequently seen in professional baseball games. Thompson’s at-bat serves as a reminder of the various rules and regulations that players must adhere to during gameplay.
Looking ahead to Saturday, the Mets have a bullpen game scheduled against the Houston Astros in West Palm Beach, Florida. A bullpen game typically involves multiple relief pitchers taking turns on the mound instead of a traditional starting pitcher. This strategy allows teams to distribute pitching responsibilities and keep their arms fresh during spring training.
As the Grapefruit League continues, the Mets will continue to fine-tune their roster and evaluate players’ performances. The competition for the designated hitter spot remains fierce, with DJ Stewart making a strong case with his recent home run. Meanwhile, Shintaro Fujinami will need to bounce back from his shaky outing to prove that he can be a reliable asset to the team. With each spring training game, the Mets strive to improve and solidify their roster before the start of the regular season.
