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Washington Nationals: 5 To Watch In Mets Visit To D.C.

By Ricky Keeler

Apr 22, 2017; New York City, NY, USA; Washington Nationals right fielder Bryce Harper (34) advance to third on a hit by second baseman Daniel Murphy (20) (not pictured) during the fourth inning against the New York Mets at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 22, 2017; New York City, NY, USA; Washington Nationals right fielder Bryce Harper (34) advance to third on a hit by second baseman Daniel Murphy (20) (not pictured) during the fourth inning against the New York Mets at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports /
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Washington Nationals
Apr 12, 2017; Philadelphia, PA, USA; New York Mets left fielder Michael Conforto (30) takes a walk to load the bases in the fifth inning against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park. The Mets won the game 5-4. Mandatory Credit: John Geliebter-USA TODAY Sports /

Michael Conforto

Looking back at last weekend, the one Mets hitter that Washington Nationals pitching had a tough time getting out was Conforto. In those three games, he went 5-for-11 with a pair of solo home runs.

With Jose Reyes struggling, Terry Collins has used Conforto out of the leadoff hitter and it has paid off to a degree. In that Nats series, he led off both of those games with a home run.

Since Yoenis Cespedes is going to be out a while, Conforto is going to get an opportunity to play everyday. Usually, the Mets will sit him against a left-hander, but the Nats are throwing three right-handers in this series anyway, so that’s a moot point.

Due to the Mets offense relying on the home run, they need to find some players that can get on base consistently. Right now, Conforto’s .385 on-base percentage is the highest of any player on the team. Plus, he made some good defensive plays last weekend in left field.

Conforto has never faced Stephen Strasburg or Joe Ross, but he has great numbers against Scherzer. Including the home run last Sunday, he is 5-for-12 against the Nats ace with three solo home runs.

If Scherzer gives up another home run to Conforto tonight, it won’t do much damage to the Nats if it’s of the solo variety. With the Mets struggling to find some offense, Conforto should be the boost that the team needs. At least, he will get his opportunity to show that his strong rookie season wasn’t a fluke.

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