The Mets are in the playoff hunt, to some that’s great, but to others, they’ve been in a steady decline. Some want to blame the players, but I’m not currently because they’ve been scoring enough runs to win lately. The problem has been the coaching and the management.

 

Why did Luis Torrens get a chance to hit into a double play in the ninth inning after hurting his thumb? Why did he hit? Is the Mets’ pinch-hitting so bad that they wouldn’t consider it? There’s no way Torrens gave them the best chance to tie up the game. No way. Ronny Mauricio wouldn’t have hit into a DP with his speed, at the very worst. If the Mets don’t like their bench options, then bring up someone. Don’t wait until September, while they’re losing valuable ground now to the Cincinnati Reds. The Phillies are probably out of reach.

 

There’s no way Kodai Senga and some other starters lately should have stayed in games as long as they did. They used to worry about the bullpen being taxed, but they loaded up there at the deadline, without getting another starter, so use them rather than hoping you can squeeze another inning or a few more outs. It’s not working for most of the pitching staff. There’s no reason to think this late in the season it will miraculously turn around. This is an offseason issue that needs to be addressed.

 

With the Mets continuing to struggle, the coaching is going to be on full display. Sometimes, the baserunning decisions are a dual issue with the players and the coaches. That is something that Carlos Mendoza can clear up now, but he seems to be more interested in other things.

 

The Mets are 12-17 since the All-Star break. Changes have to happen. Otherwise, they risk not making the playoffs, something that seemed impossible just a few months into the season.