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Mets: 3 biggest culprits for blowing their NL East lead over the Braves

By Tim Boyle

ATLANTA, GA - AUGUST 17: Francisco Lindor #12 of the New York Mets talks with Jeff McNeil #1 of the New York Mets after defeating the Atlanta Braves at Truist Park on August 17, 2022 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Adam Hagy/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA - AUGUST 17: Francisco Lindor #12 of the New York Mets talks with Jeff McNeil #1 of the New York Mets after defeating the Atlanta Braves at Truist Park on August 17, 2022 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Adam Hagy/Getty Images) /
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New York Mets
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – SEPTEMBER 03: (NEW YORK DAILIES OUT) Max Scherzer #21 of the New York Mets in action against the Washington Nationals at Citi Field on September 03, 2022 in New York City. The Nationals defeated the Mets 7-1. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images) /

3) Mets blew their huge NL East lead because of injuries

There haven’t been any major consequential slumps from Mets hitters in the second half. Some guys have gone cold for about a week. None of the main players, though, have gone completely quiet.

The same could be said for the pitching although Taijuan Walker has been far less sharp. He’s only one pitcher so it’s hard to blame him.

What’s hurting the Mets are the injuries. The bullpen has lost some key pieces but most notably they have also been without Jacob deGrom for most of the year and now have Max Scherzer on the IL. The pair of aces have made a combined 27 starts this season. Chris Bassitt, by himself, has 26.

Fortunately, many of those injured players should be back and some have already returned. Third baseman Eduardo Escobar missed some time and has actually been good since his IL return. Meanwhile, pitchers like Tylor Megill are on the mend and expected to return in September to give them some bullpen reinforcement.

The toughest part of seeing the huge lead in the NL East dwindle is that so much of the blame comes down to things the Mets had little control over. The Braves playing amazingly well and injuries are two things they couldn’t control. The only critique we can have of this franchise would be their trade deadline actions. Even those pale in comparison to the real culprits.

Next. 3 Yankees moves to avoid a monumental collapse. dark

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