Hurston Waldrep to start Tuesday vs. Pirates

Before the game, it was reported that Polanco took 300 swings during batting practice to try and get himself right. Well, he should try that again tomorrow because he laced his first hit since July 20th, first extra-base hit since July 7th, and first home run since April 11th. Yes, April 11th, when the Mets were just 7-8 and Polanco was only two weeks past starting a game at first base. Remember when that was supposed to happen? He brought his batting average up to .144 with these two knocks and now has a .445 OPS. Yes, you’re reading those correctly.

The Mets rallied to tie this game in the ninth inning and after scoring one run in the 10th, Duarte rather than Devin Williams came in for the save in the 10th. It was reported after the game that Williams was unavailable with general arm fatigue and should be ready to go in the coming days, so expect this as a one-off opportunity for Duarte. Expect some chaos in this Mets’ bullpen – apart from Jefry Yan’s leaping strikeout celebrations – though if Williams’ fatigue turns into anything more serious after they shipped out four relievers and two starters at the trade deadline.

Scott breezed through the first three innings allowing just one hit and two base runners behind his blazing fastball. Then, he ran into trouble in both the fourth and fifth. He walked a tightrope to allow just one in the fourth after the inning began with a walk, double, and single. A beautiful back-door sweeper to Petey Halpin helped him out of that jam, but two more singles and walks apiece led to two more runs in the fifth and soiled a start that seemed more promising. Almost all of the damage against him came from left-handed batters, who continue to give Scott trouble. Yet, very few balls were struck well and Scott’s command was generally good, it was just one of those nights where the hits were falling. His 17 swings-and-misses tied a season-high and left this start with a 3.15 ERA through 74 1/3 innings. He’s lined up for a two-start week coming up against the Braves and Nationals.

Genao came to the big leagues ready to hit. He ripped the first pitch he saw into right field for a single and did not stop there, totaling four singles in his debut with at least one from each side of the plate. The most meaningful of which came in the eighth inning as the Guardians mounted a comeback against the Mets’ bullpen and Genao slapped a single down the third base line to drive home the go-ahead run. Cleveland would blow this game right back, but don’t let that take away from Genao’s memorable first game. He started at third base in this game as José Ramírez tended to lingering hand soreness and he made two errors. His path to everyday playing time isn’t especially clear unless Ramírez winds up back on the injured list despite this electric debut.

House’s home run was his seventh of the year. He hit a solo shot off Brooks Raley in the seventh inning. It was his first home run since May 16. House had been 9-for-35 (.257) with no home runs and one RBI in his last 11 games entering play Wednesday.

Bibee did everything right here, besides keeping the ball in the yard. It was the first time he’d reached 10 strikeouts in a single start since September of last season and his changeup was lethal, forcing seven swings-and-misses. On the flip side, the Mets smashed three home runs off him and all came from left-handed batters. All in all, it was still a solid start and Bibee left it with a 3.85 ERA, 110 strikeouts, and 38 walks across 138 innings. He’s lined up for a two-start week against the Tigers and Padres next week.

Arraez’ home run was his fifth of the season. He hit a solo shot off Jake Irvin in the second inning. Arraez now has three RBI in his first two games with the Phillies.

Irvin gave up three hits, walked two and struck out three. He hasn’t completed six innings in any of his 13 starts this year. It’s tough to win games like that, which is why Irvin has only won two starts this year. He also has a 5.37 ERA. Irvin is lined up to face the Cubs at home next week.

McLain’s home run was his ninth of the year. He hit a solo shot off Jacob Lopez in the fifth inning. McLain is 4-for-19 (.210) in six games since returning from the injured list.

Butler’s home run was his seventh of the year. He hit a solo shot off Rhett Lowder in the first inning. Butler is now 8-for-27 (.296) with two home runs, six runs scored and four RBI in his last seven games.