Mets’ Lineup Shift Reflects Trust in Starling Marte and Benefits Francisco Lindor
The New York Mets have made a recent lineup shift that showcases their trust in Starling Marte and aims to benefit struggling star shortstop Francisco Lindor. Opposing scouts noticed how the Detroit Tigers pitched to Lindor, with right-handed pitchers consistently throwing breaking balls and spin to keep him out. In an attempt to see more fastballs and pitches inside the strike zone, the Mets have moved Marte to bat in front of Lindor. If Marte reaches base, opposing teams will need to respect his ability to steal bases, which may result in Lindor seeing more favorable pitches.
The lineup change not only aims to help Lindor but also reveals some encouraging signs for the Mets. Manager Carlos Mendoza has switched up the order in the past two games, opting for Nimmo, Marte, Lindor, and Alonso at the top of the lineup. This arrangement reflects the successful lineup the Mets had in 2022 when they consistently stacked together quality at-bats. Mendoza is hoping to find consistency in the lineup by trying different combinations and seeing how it goes.
One of the key reasons for the lineup change is the Mets’ confidence in Starling Marte. Despite dealing with injuries in 2023, Marte is looking healthier this season. Mets coaches see him using his lower half with more efficiency and explosiveness, resulting in improved swings and better performance overall. Marte himself feels great and credits his offseason work for his improved physical condition. He hopes to continue helping the team as much as possible.
In a recent game against the Atlanta Braves, the Mets demonstrated their competitiveness and Marte played a significant role in their success. He drew a walk in the first inning and scored from second base on an aggressive send from third base coach Mike Sarbaugh. Marte’s speed allowed him to beat the left fielder’s throw and secure the game’s first run. Last year, Marte may have struggled with similar plays due to his physical condition. However, this year he feels faster and more confident in his ability to score.
While Marte has been performing well, Lindor has been struggling at the plate. He went 1-for-6 in the recent game against the Braves and is currently hitting just .098. The presence of Marte ahead of him in the lineup may help Lindor by potentially leading to more fastballs being pitched to him. Lindor acknowledges that getting more fastballs will be beneficial for him and hopes to contribute to the team’s success soon.
The lineup change not only aims to benefit Lindor but also creates opportunities for other players. Mendoza believes that having Marte ahead of Lindor will create more traffic on the bases and open up holes for Lindor to take advantage of. The team is familiar with this lineup arrangement, as it was successful in 2022. The Mets are hoping to find consistency early in the season and capitalize on the strengths of their players.
While the impact of a batting order over a season can be negligible from an analytical standpoint, it is still worth pursuing. The Mets have seen contributions from Marte, Brett Baty, and Francisco Alvarez in their lineup, but they need Lindor to start hitting consistently. The recent scoring outburst against the Braves was not solely due to the lineup change, but it highlights the team’s willingness to make adjustments and try new strategies.
In conclusion, the Mets’ lineup shift reflects their trust in Starling Marte and aims to benefit struggling Francisco Lindor. Marte’s improved performance and speed have made him a key player for the team, while Lindor hopes to see more fastballs with Marte batting ahead of him. The lineup change also showcases manager Carlos Mendoza’s willingness to make adjustments and find consistency early in the season. While the impact of a batting order may be marginal, the Mets are determined to maximize their players’ strengths and improve their overall performance.