The Mets have had their fair share of ups and downs this season, but Tyrone Taylor’s been a real bright spot amid Starling Marte’s injury. It’s like they say––when one door closes, another one opens.
Well, Taylor has walked right through that open door and made the most of it. Whether at the plate or out in the field, this guy has been showing he has what it takes to help the Mets keep pushing forward.
So, how has Taylor’s breakout performance impacted the Mets? And what happens when Marte returns? Let’s dive in and find out.
- Tyrone Taylor has stepped up to fill the gap left by Starling Marte, helping the Mets with his strong hitting and defense.
- Taylor’s performance has raised questions about his future role on the team, especially when Marte returns.
- Starling Marte is expected to return soon, which could change how the Mets use Taylor and other players.
Tyrone Taylor Steps Up Amid Starling Marte’s Injury Absence
Tyrone Taylor has become a key player for the New York Mets, while Starling Marte has been out with a knee injury.
Taylor, who started the season as a backup outfielder, has taken on a bigger role and performed well.
His contributions in hitting and fielding have helped the Mets stay competitive as they fight for a playoff spot.
Tyrone Taylor’s Strong Hitting and Reliable Fielding
Since the All-Star break, Tyrone Taylor has been a rock for the Mets. He’s been hitting a solid .294, getting on base, and showing some real pop at the plate.
Taylor has also been versatile in the outfield, playing both right and center field, which has been valuable to the team.
Right-handed pitchers have been no match for Taylor, who has a .272 average and five home runs in 171 at-bats against them.
However, he has struggled against left-handed pitchers, only managing a .183 average with one home run in 87 at-bats.
Without question, Taylor has also been important defensively. He has made several critical plays in the outfield, earning a plus-3 rating in outs above average, ranking him among the league’s top players.
All in all, Taylor’s been a massive asset while Marte’s been out, showing he’s more than ready to step up when the team needs him.
How Taylor’s Play Affects the Mets’ Lineup
Taylor’s strong performance has given Mets manager Carlos Mendoza many options when creating the lineup.
While Taylor has been a key player, the return of Starling Marte could change things. Marte, recovering in the minor leagues, is expected to rejoin the team soon, which might reduce Taylor’s playing time.
Other players like Jesse Winker and Ben Gamel have also stepped up while Marte has been out, and a recent injury to Mark Vientos has made lineup decisions even more complicated.
Vientos was supposed to play, but a sore ankle kept him out, giving Taylor and others more chances to play.
As the Mets prepare for their next series of games, figuring out how to fit Marte back into the lineup while keeping Taylor’s momentum going will be a big decision for Mendoza.
Taylor has shown that he can be ready to contribute, whether starting the game or coming off the bench––and that kind of flexibility is pure gold for the Mets.
Fans and Experts Weigh In––Should Taylor Keep Playing?
The question of whether Tyrone Taylor should keep getting a lot of playing time, even after Marte returns, has sparked a lot of discussions among Mets fans and experts.
Mets superfan Joe Beningo, speaking on WFAN, strongly argued that Taylor should remain in the lineup.
Beningo praised Taylor’s performance in hitting and fielding but questioned whether it makes sense to bench him for Marte, especially given Marte’s recent injuries.
Indeed, Marte was having a solid season before his injury, batting .278/.328/.416 with seven home runs and a perfect 12-for-12 in stolen base attempts.
However, Taylor’s recent success, including his .294 average and strong slugging percentage over the last 24 games, strongly suggests that he should continue playing.
On defense, Taylor proved his worth, with seven defensive runs saved and two outs above average, making him one of the better outfielders in the league. So, of course, these contributions have made him popular with fans and a key player for the Mets.
As the Mets prepare for the season’s final stretch, they must make smart decisions about their roster.
Whether Taylor continues to thrive in his current role or sees a reduction in playing time, his performance during Marte’s absence has clearly made a positive impact on the team.
