Mets meet with MLB representatives to address concerns over hit-by-pitches

NEW YORK — The rash of hit Mets batsmen has not gone unnoticed by Major League Baseball.

On Friday, Mets players and coaches met with Morgan Sword, the MLB executive vice president of operations, and other league representatives to discus their concerns.

Through 20 games, the Mets have been hit 19 times — five more times than the next-nearest team in the league. After Pete Alonso was hit up high for the second time this season, Chris Bassitt and James McCann also both voiced concern over the lack of grip and consistency with the baseballs.

Buck Showalter would not go as far as to say he was "content" following the meeting with MLB, but he was glad that his players had an opportunity to voice their concerns and hear how the league is dealing with certain issues.

"I thought it was a lot of give and take," Showalter said. "We had our pitchers in there and some position players. We got all aspects of it. Morgan presents us with some things that they may not have known about. They presented some things.

"That’s how you make good decisions, you listen to the people that are actually throwing the baseball and hitting the baseball. You listen to the people that are doing all the work to improve our game and try to keep it safe."

Showalter said his biggest issue has been the propensity for other teams to go up and in on his players without the ability to control that pitch. He said since spring training, the Mets have seen 15 pitches inside above the shoulder.

"I understand that we’ve seen more fastballs than anybody in baseball and more pitches on the inner half than anybody," Showalter said. "What does that tell you? That’s how they’re going to try to pitch us. Along with that, comes some. I don’t like the ones that are coming up at the head."

Showalter said he believes something need to be done about the pitches that ride up and in and connect.

In the Korean Baseball Organization, a fastball that hits a batter in the face or head results in an automatic ejection. It's a measure that Showalter believes the league should consider.

"I think there has to be something in terms to stop that," Showalter said. "I really believe looking back at the 15, I don’t think a single one of them was intentional. That’s what’s been tough. There’s nothing worse than having to go on the field or get involved in something that’s an unjust cause."

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Unpacking the punishment

Showalter was taken aback when he learned that Cardinals first-base coach Stubby Clapp did not receive any punishment stemming from the bench-clearing altercation against the Cardinals on Wednesday.

In the fracas following Yoan Lopez's brushback pitch to Nolan Arenado, Clapp pulled Alonso to the ground along the first-base line.

"Got nothing? Really?" Showalter said with a despondent look. "I’m glad you didn’t ask me about that."

Cardinals pitcher Genesis Cabrera, who appeared to pull Alonso from the collar, served a one-game suspension on Thursday. Arenado received a two-game suspension for inciting the clash. He is appealing that decision.

Lopez was fined for contributing to the incitement of the incident, while Taijuan Walker and Cardinals pitcher Jack Flaherty were fined for joining in while on the injured list.

Boon at the bottom

Despite being the Mets' two leading hitters so far this season, Mark Canha and Jeff McNeil found themselves in their usual No. 7 and 8 spots, respectively, for Friday night's game.

Robinson Cano, who is batting .184 to start the season, was slotted in above both players in the six hole, but Showalter said he does not want to disrupt a good thing at the bottom of the lineup.

'We’ve been spreading it around to everybody," Showalter said. "I like the idea of some things are created in the bottom of our order to turn our batting order over. Guys are having some success and we want to be careful about moving them."

In 14 games entering Friday, Canha leads the Mets with a .333 batting average and .429 on-base percentage, to go along with six RBI and three runs. McNeil was slashing .328/.388/.492 with one home run, five doubles, 11 runs and seven RBI entering Friday.

Andrew Tredinnick is the Mets beat writer for NorthJersey.com. For unlimited access to all Mets analysis, news, trades and more, please subscribe today and download our app.

Email: atredinnick@gannett.com Twitter: @andrew_tred

This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: NY Mets: MLB representatives to discuss hit batters trend