Eduardo Escobar's icy bats show signs of defrosting.
Mets lost to Rangers 7-3in Citi Field on Saturday afternoon, but it wasn't Escobar's fault. Third baseman hit a home run 2-4, hit a home run for two days in a row, and hit eight home runs throughout the season.
Manager Buck Showalter saw strong performance as a sign of more consistent play in the future.
"[Escobar] has a very consistent personality ... and he is ground at every pitch and every turn at bat," he said. "Good people like him chase their achievements, and that's where I expect him to be. I think the last few games were a sign of that."
Four Escobar home runs were made on a 3-2 pitch, a count he's been struggling with this season. Swinging right-handed, Escobar drilled a 93 mph fastball into the left-wing pouch, reducing Mets' deficit to 5-3. He also hit a home run on Friday with a 3-2 pitch.
394-foot shot Saturday It was even more impressive considering that I played against Martin Perez, who surrendered only two home runs in the first 15 starts of the season.
Escobar's success from both sides of the plate is a sight that Mets has missed since he signed a $ 20 million deal for two years from the age of 33 this offseason. Following the All-Star season with Brewers in 2021, he broke 28 home runs and Escobar's power almost disappeared as Met. Friday and Saturday home runs were the first home runs since June 6th.
After digging only twice in his first 46 games, Escobar has scored six home runs in the last 25 contests. Francisco Lindor said he knew that it was only a matter of time before the third baseman understood his problem.
"He works very hard," Lindeau said. "He was a very consistent player throughout his career, and he is now more comfortable and he understands his role."
Escobar's role at Mets is It has declined in recent weeks due to his struggle. With the sudden appearance of Luis Guillorme, who finds it difficult to remove reliable bats and even more reliable gloves from the lineup, Escobar's third sure spot is now more suspicious.
This development further uncertains Escobar's playing time, coupled with the recent statement by general manager Billy Eppler that he wants to find a power hitter who can produce more runs. .. But as long as you continue to play against the Rangers, Escobar doesn't have to worry about anything.
