Here are five things to watch and predictions as the Mets and Colorado Rockies play a three-game series at Citi Field starting on Friday night…
Preview
How long can Christian Scott go?
Scott dominated in his last start, firing 5.2 innings of one-hit ball against the Pirates in Pittsburgh, which meant many were surprised when he was pulled at just 77 pitches in a tie game — with the relievers who came in combining to allow five two-out runs that cost the Mets the game.
But it was a confluence of things that led to Scott getting yanked at that point.
Specifically: he had thrown 99 pitches in his prior start after having his innings and pitch count managed in the minors for a month, and he was pitching on regular (four days) rest for the first time as a big leaguer.
What the Mets are — smartly — doing is being incredibly careful with Scott, who threw a career-high 87.2 innings in the minors last season and has already thrown 81.1 innings this season between Triple-A Syracuse and the majors.
Once Kodai Senga returns — possibly after two more rehab starts — New York will be going to a six-man rotation, which will allow them to space out Scott’s starts while reducing the innings he would otherwise throw in a five-man rotation.
What could this mean for the deadline?
The Mets enter the final series before the All-Star break in a place where they wanted to be before the season started: in serious contention for a playoff spot.
But while president of baseball operations David Stearns added some bullpen help earlier this week — trading with the Rays for Phil Maton — he said a few hours after that deal that he hasn’t made a decision regarding what the Mets’ plan will be ahead of the July 30 trade deadline.
Two things can be true here.
The first is that there is no reason for Stearns to tip his hand.
The second is that if the Mets keep playing solid baseball, there is close to zero chance they’ll trade anyone of significance at the deadline (save for perhaps moving one starting pitcher on an expiring contract if they deem their depth to be in a good enough spot).
But in order for the Mets to keep hammering home to the front office that they should buy or hold, they can’t fall flat against bad teams like the Rockies.
Brandon Nimmo is on fire
Nimmo, who along with Francisco Lindor was a stunning omission from the National League roster for the All-Star Game, is on an otherworldly tear.
Nimmo is hitting .311/.388/.600 with nine homers, 10 doubles, 32 runs scored, and 33 RBI…