Despite dealing with a lengthy suspension handed down to their closer, the New York Mets earned a win on Opening Day at Citi Field on Monday. Jacob deGrom led the Mets to their first home victory and a fan disrespected Philadelphia Phillies outfielder Grady Sizemore.
Jenrry Mejia, who was placed on the 15-day disabled list after an MRI revealed posterior elbow inflammation, was suspended for 80 games over the weekend after testing positive for Stanozolol, which is an anabolic steroid more commonly known as Winstrol, according to the New York Daily News. The right-hander will now have plenty of time to rest his elbow ailment.
Mejia was expected to serve as the team's closer at the beginning of 2015, but now he's not even guaranteed a spot in the bullpen once he's eligible to return, general manager Sandy Alderson indicated. He filled in for the injured Bobby Parnell and finished 6-6 with a 3.65 ERA, 1.484 WHIP, 28 saves and 98 strikeouts in 63 games last season. Parnell is set to rejoin the Mets' bullpen by the end of the month, but the loss of Mejia further handicaps what the team can do in late-game situations.
However, the starting rotation has picked up the slack and proven to be efficient thus far, ranking 10th in ERA (3.09) and 2nd in strikeout-to-walk ratio (5.33). Jacob deGrom continued that success on Monday and pitched 6 1/3 scoreless innings, giving up seven hits and one walk, while striking out three en route to the 2-0 win over the Phillies.
New York had a dismal offensive day and notched only six hits and four walks, but managed to cash in on their few opportunities. The two runs were scored on an RBI infield single from outfielder Juan Lagares and a sacrifice fly from catcher Travis d'Arnaud. Newly acquired relievers Carlos Torres and Jerry Blevins tossed a combined 1 2/3 scoreless innings and then Jeurys Familia earned his second save of the season.
However, the highlight of the day came in the fourth inning when Daniel Murphy smacked a double off the wall. As right fielder Grady Sizemore fielded the ball, a Mets fan sitting behind the wall hurled his beer at the Phillies' veteran, which you can see below.
Perhaps the joke was on the fan, though, being that beers usually go for $10 at major league ballparks.
At the end of the day, the Mets improved to 4-3 and will continue to fight through injuries and other roster issues as they look to contend for a playoff spot on the NL East.
