NY Mets Starting Lineup: Brandon Nimmo sparks joy in his return
![Jul 3, 2021; Bronx, New York, USA; New York Mets center fielder Brandon Nimmo (9) reacts after hitting a single in the fifth inning against the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-USA TODAY Sports](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_752,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/https-3A-2F-2Frisingapple-com-2Fwp-content-2Fuploads-2Fimagn-images-2F2017-2F07-2F16361880-850x560-b038a77e5919208f28792f75d5219814.jpg)
What has been missing from the New York Mets starting lineup? Although it’s only one game, the return of Brandon Nimmo seems to have sparked the offense.
Nimmo has missed significant action throughout the 2021 season. A constant throughout his career, injuries have once again curtailed Nimmo’s chance at becoming one of the best players in the league.
Mets fans know what he is capable of. For years now, the difference has been Nimmo’s ability to stay on the field. While we won’t get near the 162 games we would like from him, the happiest man in baseball is back, batting leadoff, and stirring the Mets drink.
Brandon Nimmo’s return to the Mets lineup sparks joy
Offense has been a major weakness of the Mets all year long. Outside of Pete Alonso, we can say everyone has underperformed—at least among those who have stayed healthy.
Nimmo is a different type of player from many guys throughout the league. Not typically a superb batting average guy yet an elite OBP player, his ability to cause chaos is what may have been missing from the Mets lineup for a good portion of 2021.
He won’t solve all of the woes. Struggles to hit with men in scoring position won’t be cured. This is an ailment that has plagued multiple players on the roster. However, with Nimmo back and hopefully on base often, there will be far more opportunities.
The Mets haven’t been abysmal at the plate outside of actually scoring runs. A lack of home runs has contributed to this greatly. Again, Nimmo isn’t going to do much to change this.
What Nimmo does accomplish is the “pest factor.” He’s a pain to play against. His unrivaled energy can change the course of a game. Not someone I would ever rely on for a single bit hit, Nimmo, is best suited as the guy who continually pummels the opponent by capitalizing on their errors.
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A 3 for 6 day against the New York Yankees in his first game back from the IL to go with a pair of runs scored showcased just that. Nimmo has returned. The Mets offense is a little more alive. And first place in the NL East feels a little more secure.