The New York Mets' challenging season took another downturn this week with the news of Pete Alonso's wrist injury, landing him on the injured list. This comes on the heels of a disheartening sweep by the Atlanta Braves, further deepening the Mets' woes.
Alonso, a key player for the Mets, was struck by a pitch during the first inning of Wednesday's game against the Braves, forcing him to exit early. The team later announced the injury as a bone bruise and sprain of his left wrist.
This injury is a significant blow to the Mets, as Alonso has been a standout performer in an otherwise underwhelming season. He currently leads Major League Baseball in home runs with 22 and tops the National League in RBIs with 49.
The Mets' struggles this season are particularly glaring given their record-breaking payroll exceeding $345 million. Despite the substantial investment, the team holds a disappointing 30-33 record, placing them fourth in the NL East. Their pitching, envisioned as a strength, has faltered, with a starting rotation ERA of 4.93, ranking among the worst in the league. The recent series against Atlanta saw the Mets relinquish a three-run lead in each game.
The absence of Alonso, one of baseball's premier power hitters, leaves a significant void in the Mets' lineup, which already lacks substantial power. This unfortunate turn of events mirrors a similar situation with the Yankees' Aaron Judge, who is also currently sidelined with a toe injury. Judge's 19 home runs are the second-most in baseball, highlighting the impact of these injuries on the league's top sluggers.
Since his debut in 2019, Alonso has consistently demonstrated his prowess, amassing a league-leading 168 home runs and 429 RBIs. His performance last year earned him eighth place in the NL MVP voting, boasting 40 home runs, a league-leading 131 RBIs, a .869 OPS, and a career-best .271 batting average.
This marks Alonso's first stint on the injured list, casting a shadow over what was anticipated to be an exciting home run race in New York. With both Alonso and Judge out of commission, the landscape of the league's power dynamics shifts significantly.
The Mets are set to commence a three-game series against the Pittsburgh Pirates, facing the challenge of competing without their star slugger.
