Mets left fielder Michael Conforto throws out runner at home plate (Video)

The New York Mets are facing an uphill climb early on Sunday, but thanks to Michael Conforto it isn’t a bit worse.

The New York Mets have had an injury riddled and controversial season to this point, to put it mildly. But outfielder Michael Conforto has been a bright spot, with a .322/.417/.669 slash-line, 11 home runs and 27 RBI entering Sunday’s action. One of their top young players finding his way in the big leagues qualifies as a much-needed win for the Mets early this season.

Injuries in the starting rotation have forced the Mets to scrape the bottom of the barrel for options. Left-hander Tommy Milone clearly fits that bill as a recent waiver pickup, and he got the start Sunday against the Los Angeles Angels. Eight runs (seven earned) later, and Milone did not finish the second inning.

The Angels touched Milone for five runs in the first inning, and with one out second baseman Danny Espinosa attempted to score on a single to left field by catcher Martin Maldonado. That’s Conforto’s territory, with Yoenis Cespedes still out, and he was having none of it.

Conforto obviously could not save Milone from an abysmal outing with his outfield assist, or the Mets from facing a 9-1 deficit heading to the fifth inning. Catcher Kevin Plawecki deserves credit for the tag too, as the essential parts of his job were to catch the on-target throw cleanly while not blocking Espinosa’s lane to the plate. Mission accomplished on both ends.

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Conforto is hitless in his first two at-bats as the Mets’ leadoff man on Sunday, with two strikeouts. The end result of the game does not look promising, but Conforto’s throw will be a staple on the highlight shows Sunday night.