Mets’ Daniel Vogelbach snaps out of stoop with homer, three RBIs vs. Dodgers
LOS ANGELES — Daniel Vogelbach introduced a wanted jolt to the left-handed DH spot for the Mets on Monday.
After swinging a quiet bat over 2 ½ weeks to start the season, Vogelbach launched a two-run homer in opposition to Dustin Could within the second inning of the Mets’ 8-6 victory over Dodgers. The blast was Vogelbach’s first this season.
Vogelbach serves because the DH in opposition to right-handed pitching. He entered play with a .174/.387/.217 slash line with three RBIs.
“Homers are clearly good, however I’ve had 25 at-bats,” Vogelbach stated. “I’m not going to panic or suppose I’m going to have a foul 12 months as a result of I haven’t hit a house run in 25 at-bats. I all the time attempt to base myself off of swinging at good pitches and strolling. Slugging and stuff is available in bunches.”
Earlier than the sport Buck Showalter defended Vogelbach’s sluggish begin.
“He’s hit some balls laborious — like [Sunday],” Showalter stated. “I do know he’s annoyed, however the factor I like is he continues to be a man that walks and will get on base quite a bit. He hasn’t gotten away from that component that he introduced.
“He’ll find yourself together with his monitor document offensively, however I’m actually proud that he hasn’t allow them to get him out of the strike zone. That’s laborious to do. You might be anticipated to do sure issues with the bat and he’s doing it with the walks too.”
Tim Locastro was positioned on the injured listing with again spasms and Jose Butto optioned to Triple-A Syracuse, a day after the right-hander pitched 5 innings in opposition to the Athletics. Brett Baty’s recall from Syracuse accounted for Locastro’s roster spot and the Mets recalled right-hander Edwin Uceta for the bullpen.
Locastro appeared in Sunday’s recreation as a pinch-runner and Showalter stated the again spasms arose afterward.
“It had been just a little little bit of a problem, however it simply obtained to the purpose the place we needed to attempt to remedy it and get it behind him,” Showalter stated. “It’s nothing leg associated, however fairly uncomfortable.”
Butto pitched 5 innings Sunday as a spot starter in Oakland and allowed one earned run over 5 innings. It was the second main league begin of the right-hander’s profession.
Max Scherzer had a “good day,” in response to Showalter, and seems in good place to start out Wednesday in opposition to the Dodgers. The Mets co-ace was moved again three days within the rotation due to discomfort beneath his proper scapula.
Justin Verlander is scheduled to throw a second bullpen session Tuesday. If there aren’t any problems, the right-hander will throw dwell batting apply later within the week. Verlander has been on the IL with a strained teres main muscle for the reason that season began.