Quintana Shines as Mets Rout Twins, Batting Around Twice

 

NEW YORK — If only the entire Mets rotation performed like José Quintana.

As the Mets approach the Tuesday 6 p.m. ET Trade Deadline, they're on the lookout for starting pitching help. Their current rotation, which includes five big-league-caliber pitchers, has been inconsistent, especially at the back end. They could use an upgrade to add more stability and depth.

But Quintana? He’s not part of the problem.

Much like last year, when he returned from injury, Quintana has been the Mets’ most reliable pitcher, hitting his stride around midseason. In Monday’s 15-2 rout of the Twins at Citi Field, Quintana delivered another stellar performance, going six innings with just one earned run. This marked the sixth time in his last eight starts that he has gone at least five innings with one or no runs allowed. Over this stretch, Quintana boasts a 5-1 record and a 1.91 ERA.

“Q was rock solid,” praised first baseman Pete Alonso.

Quintana’s success has come from mixing things up. Against the Twins, he threw 48 curveballs, the second-highest total of his career and the most he’s thrown in nine years. He adjusted his strategy after noticing the Twins’ aggressive approach early in the game.

“His curveball … if you haven’t seen it very much, it’s a very challenging and sometimes even frustrating pitch to deal with,” said Twins manager Rocco Baldelli. “It creates a big speed gap that can get hitters out in front.”

Hard to Choose

Before the game, manager Carlos Mendoza was asked about José Buttó’s role and responded with a laugh, saying, “He’s in the bullpen right now. We’ve been talking about the six-man rotation, but we’ll deal with that if it happens. For now, he’s a huge part of our bullpen.”

Buttó proved his value by mopping up the final three innings for his second save of the season. The decision to keep him in the game was intentional, allowing him to stay stretched out after a recent three-inning, 40-pitch outing against the Braves.

Although it doesn’t mean the Mets are definitely converting Buttó back into a starter, it keeps that option open in case they don’t acquire a top starter before the Deadline. If the Mets acquire a reliever but not a starter, Buttó might be shifted back into the rotation, potentially needing a few Minor League starts to build up stamina.

“I thought it was important to keep his pitch count up,” Mendoza said of Buttó, who threw 44 pitches, his most since transitioning to a relief role in early July. “We’ll see what happens.”

Currently, Buttó is the Mets’ sixth starter on their depth chart, but that could change with several potential trade targets still available, including Blake Snell, Jack Flaherty, Tyler Anderson, and Cal Quantrill.

Fifteen and Feeling Fine

The Mets’ offensive explosion was highlighted by sending 10-plus batters to the plate in both the fourth and sixth innings—something they haven’t done twice in a game in Queens since 1976. Every Mets position player who appeared in the game recorded at least one hit.

Outfielder Tyrone Taylor also made a notable defensive play, robbing Ryan Jeffers of a home run over the right-field fence.

The Mets’ offensive depth was evident, with Alonso hitting a leadoff homer in the fourth inning and Jesse Winker recording his first hit with the Mets. Despite potential moves for infield help, the team’s offensive prowess is a strength, having led the Majors in runs per game since May 31.

While this is only the Mets' second game with more than 15 runs this season—having scored 16 on April 11 against the Braves—their recent performances have been consistently strong.

“We’ve showcased who we are and our potential,” Alonso said. “It’s no accident. It’s a group of guys being resilient.”