The New York Mets (37-53) season has not been what owner Steve Cohen wanted, but there have been a few bright spots.
One has been the emergence of center fielder A.J. Ewing, who has displayed the potential to be a productive big leaguer and an even better leadoff hitter. Ewing was named the Mets’ leadoff man on Friday, supplanting fellow rookie Carson Benge, who had held the top spot for 50 games.
Interim manager Andy Green pointed to Ewing’s high on-base percentage against right-handers as the reason for the move.
“When you step back and take a look at what he’s done in a short stint in the big leagues, he’s putting up a .380, .390 on-base percentage against right-handed pitching — that is incredibly rare for a rookie,” Green said to Anthony DiComo of MLB.com. “[The role] fits his long-term skill set. It’s [his] speed, he sees pitches, grinds out at-bats, shoots the ball around the yard. And it also fits Carson to be a middle-of-the-order type of guy.”
In 48 games (121 at-bats) against right-handed pitching this season, Ewing is batting .281 with a .370 on-base percentage, a .397 slugging percentage and has hit three of his five home runs.
A.J. Ewing’s ability to see pitches should help the Mets
Ewing was utilized as a leadoff hitter throughout his time in the Mets’ minor league system. In 251 games, the 21-year-old had an on-base percentage of .392, per DiComo. Ewing’s ability to see pitches is what makes him an effective leadoff hitter.
“I think I see a lot of pitches no matter where I’m at,” Ewing said to DiComo. “I don’t think that where I’m hitting is necessarily going to change my approach. But I’m comfortable being at the top of the order, and I’m excited for that.”
However, Ewing won’t be Green’s leadoff man against left-handers, with shortstop Francisco Lindor taking that assignment.
With the Mets’ season where it is — the team is 16.0 games out of the lead in the National League East — allowing Ewing to start against lefties and righties should be considered. Before his call-up to the big leagues, Ewing had been hitting well against left-handers in Triple-A Syracuse. In 74 at-bats, the Ohio native batted .284 with a .357 on-base percentage and an .884 OPS.
Barring any changes before the All-Star break, the Mets are only likely facing two left-handed starters in Boston’s Ranger Suarez and Payton Tolle.