Washington Nationals: 5 to watch in 4-game visit to Citi Field

Wilmer Flores

When you think about this Mets offense, it will take you a while before you get to Wilmer Flores. However, over the last 30 days, he has been one of the best players on the team. In 24 games, he’s hitting .357, has 30 hits, and two home runs.

With Asdrubal Cabrera on the disabled list and Jose Reyes having to play more shortstop, third base opens up for Flores to be playing on an everyday basis. Normally, you would only see him face left-handed pitchers, but he has actually improved against righties (.295, three home runs, 14 RBI’s).

In May, Flores was hitting the ball well as he went 25-for-66 (.379) with one home run and 11 RBI’s. Last week, in game 2 of the doubleheader against Atlanta, he went 4-for-5. He has the ability to play in three different positions in the infield and Terry Collins can use him anywhere in the lineup.

The 25-year-old left-handed hitter has had good success against the Washington Nationals in his career as he has driven in 13 runs in the last three seasons. Everyone remembers his walk-off home run against Felipe Rivero two years ago. He does have success against Joe Ross in his career (3-for-9, three RBI’s).

So while you think about Jay Bruce, Yoenis Cespdedes, and Michael Conforto, don’t sleep on Flores and his ability to contribute at the bottom of the lineup. If the Nats do sleep on him, he can pick up the big hit late in the game that leads to a win in this series.