3 ways the Mets can get back in the saddle after a rough weekend

2) NY Mets starting pitchers need to dominate

Max Scherzer was good for the Mets in his start but he didn’t go deep enough. This allowed the wheels to come off and the Mets to drop the second game of the series. Things like this will happen.

Sunday’s story was a little different. Back from the IL, Carlos Carrasco left early and wasn’t all that good on the mound. It’s beginning to look like age is catching up with him quickly. While it’s just one start and it is after coming back from an injury, expectations for Cookie going forward should be limited.

The Mets starting pitching has been one of the most consistent parts of the season. Even in the absence of Scherzer and Jacob deGrom they’ve been strong. It wasn’t necessarily the major downfall of the weekend series against Washington. However, when the bats go silent, it’s hard to win without an ace-like performance.

We can blame the bullpen partially for this but let’s also remember that Buck Showalter went to his weaker relievers for many of those innings. There is a specific formula he has right now. There are relievers who pitch in games the Mets are leading and in games where they trail. Losing Trevor May does ache and will push someone that might not be ready for high-leverage situations into those important innings.

Fortunately, the only concern we should really have with the rotation right now is minor and it has to do with Scherzer leaving his start early. He is expected to return to full strength later this week for his next scheduled start.

Take a breath and make it big.