The Mets dropped their Opening Day game this afternoon to the Washington Nationals 9-7, but Juan Lagares had a huge day at the plate, even though he was not expected in today’s lineup.
Chris Young was scratched from the game due to a right quad strain and Daniel Murphy went to be with his wife, who went into labor this morning. Because the two players were unavailable, Terry Collins chose to start Eric Young Jr at second base, Andrew Brown in left field, and Juan Lagares in center.
The defending Mets Defensive Player of the Year did not disappoint, finishing the game 2 for 4, with three runs scored and an RBI. It will be interesting to see if Lagares gets the start on Wednesday night when the Mets face the Nationals lefty Gio Gonzalez. He sure does deserve it.
Why is it unexpected? Didn’t Alderson say just this past weekend that Lagares is the best centerfielder on the roster? I expected Lagares to start, despite MMO’s expectations that Collins would screw it up.
Because Chris Young was hurting and Murphy was out, if both players would have been in the lineup, Lagares most likely would have not been in the game.