'It’s kind of strange to say that’s unusual. 'The mental discipline it takes to do that: You’re 0-for-4 and you have to do that, it’s remarkable,' Showalter said. Realmuto was caught in a rundown and all nine players flooded into the infield. The Mets' situational awareness has resonated with Showalter in the early stage of the season. Another case came during the first half of the doubleheader against the Phillies when J.T. It was one of the most critical plays during the Mets' 4-2 win over the Nationals on Tuesday.Īs Yadiel Hernandez looked to score from first on a double into left-center field, the Mets used a pinpoint relay from Brandon Nimmo to McNeil to throw him out at home.īut the most encouraging thing that Showalter saw during that play was the positioning of starting pitcher Carlos Carrasco, who was filtered in behind catcher James McCann in case the ball squirted through.

If he moves up, somebody else moves down. Our guys really haven’t gotten into the ego of a batting order yet.'ĭefense: Mets prove they can win with defense in latest victory over Nationals Embracing fundamentals 'You want to create the biggest challenge for a guy to grind through. 'We can space some things when you’re not top heavy or bottom heavy. 'When you have to use multiple pitchers, it creates a lot better matchups after the sixth inning,' Showalter said. Showalter has made it his mission to space out the tough at-bats for opposing pitchers, and McNeil has been a valuable piece of that approach. 7 or 8 spot as a boon to the bottom of the lineup.Ī handful of times, McNeil has found himself in the leadoff or heart of the Mets' lineup, but he has been just as useful getting on base at a team-high 40 percent rate before the lineup turns over. He has spent the majority of the season in the Mets' No. That prowess has not necessarily sent McNeil flying up the batting order.

The top spin barely gets through the infield, guys don’t quite get to it. Different guys I’ve seen through the years that hit for high average. 'I do believe sometimes that guys have a certain angle to their bat,' Showalter said.

251 last year, with his career average sitting at. McNeil's command of the bat had him at fourth in the National League in batting average. 333 batting average - 100 points above the league average (.233), which is the lowest since the league was founded in 1876. Jeff McNeil entered Wednesday's game leading the Mets with a. WASHINGTON - In a season where the league's combined batting average is as low as it has ever been in Major League Baseball history, Buck Showalter has a huge weapon at his disposal. Watch Video: Mets unveil Tom Seaver statue outside Citi Field

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