Justin Maxwell delivers pinch-hit home run for in win vs New York Mets

Pitcher Bruce Chen was handed a no-decision today, after limiting the New York Mets to just one run over six innings today.

Chen struck out a season high eight batters, which is one shy of his career best. The only damage he allowed was a solo home run by Daniel Murphy in the first inning of play. The veteran southpaw was in line for the win before Aaron Crow gave up a two run single in the eighth inning.

Chen now owns a 1.50 ERA in four starts since rejoining the rotation for the Kansas City Royals. His next start is against the Boston Red Sox next week.

Justin Maxwell picked up a pinch hit home run off of David Aardsma in the 4-3 victory in 12 innings today.

Jeremy Hafner allowed three runs over six innings in Saturday’s no-decision against the Royals.

He allowed eight hits, no walks while striking out six batters. He entered the game with a 12.34 ERA over three starts since the All-Star break, so this was a step forward.

Daniel Murphy went 2-5 with a solo home run and a stolen base today for the New York Mets. Now that David Wright is expected to miss 3-5 weeks, Murphy will have to pick up more offensive responsibility. Murphy is betting .354 over his last 12 games and now has nine home runs and 13 stolen bases on the season.

The Mets could move Murphy over to third base, sending Eric Young, Jr. to play second base, which would make room for Lucas Duda to play left field. These moves could make them a far worse defensive team, but with Wright sidelined, they will need to find more offense if they want to win games until they get that missing glove/bat in their lineup.