Washington Nationals Analysis: Second Half Preview

May 27, 2015; New York City, NY, USA; New York Mets first baseman Lucas Duda (21) hits a home run against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

New York Mets

With twelve games left against the Mets (47-42) in 2015, New York will be the Nats’ second most frequent opponent over the rest of the season, only behind the 38-51 Miami Marlins (13). The Mets own one of the scariest rotations in the sport, including the likes of Jacob deGrom (9-6, 2.14), Matt Harvey (8-6, 3.07), and Noah Syndergaard (4-4, 3.11). Owning the fifth best rotation ERA in the NL at 3.42, the Mets’ pitching has kept this ballclub afloat in the National League East.

While the Nationals have been hit hard by injuries, no one has been forced to swallow more losses than the New York Mets. Dillon Gee, Erik Goeddel, Steven Matz, Logan Verrett, Jack Leathersich, Rafael Montero, Buddy Carlyle, Jerry Blevins, Dilson Herrera, Travis d’Arnaud, Darrell Ceciliani, Anthony Recker, and David Wright are ALL currently on the Disabled List. With an offense that consistently struggles to put runners across the plate, injuries to the lineup have been far more fatal to New York than to Washington.

The only lineup that has scored less runs than the Mets in the National League this year is none other than the 29-62 Philadelphia Phillies. The lone bright spot, second baseman, Daniel Murphy (.277/.331/.405), is the only starter currently hitting above .256. First baseman Lucas Duda (.241/.345/.430) has failed to live up to preseason expectations thus far, as he leads the team with 91 strikeouts. With d’Arnaud and Wright nearing rehab starts, the Mets lineup could begin to catch fire if these injured stars are able to provide a spark upon their returns. However, until then, their winning ways will rely almost entirely upon their starting pitching.

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