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Ex-Met Carlos Carrasco Set for Shot vs. Former Team: Guardians vs. Mets Showdown
Carlos Carrasco had his moments during an underachieving three-season stint with the New York Mets. However, he’s been better of late while back with the Cleveland Guardians. Facing his former Mets team, Carrasco looks to continue a solid May while trying to help the host Guardians to a fifth straight win Tuesday night.
A Rollercoaster Journey: From Mets to Guardians
Carlos Carrasco’s journey from the Cleveland Guardians to the New York Mets and back again has been anything but smooth. Traded to New York along with Francisco Lindor, Carrasco (2-4, 5.16 ERA) joined the Mets in January 2021 after 11 seasons in Cleveland. He had a strong run with the Guardians, winning at least 11 games in four straight seasons (2015-18). However, his career was derailed by injuries and a 2019 leukemia diagnosis.
In New York, health issues continued to plague him. In 2021, Carrasco struggled with a 1-5 record and a 6.04 ERA in just 12 starts for the Mets. He bounced back in 2022, posting a 15-7 record with a 3.97 ERA over 29 starts. But 2023 saw another decline, with Carrasco finishing 3-8 with a 6.80 ERA in 20 starts, leading to his release in late August.
Carrasco’s Resurgence with the Guardians
Fast forward to his Cleveland reunion, and the 37-year-old Carrasco is showing signs of his old self. Despite some inconsistency in his nine starts, he’s managed to turn things around recently. After a rough end to April, where he gave up 13 runs and 15 hits over nine innings, Carrasco has found his rhythm in May with a 3.00 ERA in three starts. This month, he’s only allowed eight runs—six earned—in 18 innings, contributing to the AL Central-leading Guardians’ seven wins in their last eight games and a strong 14-3 home stretch.
In his latest start, Carrasco allowed just a two-run homer in his fifth and final inning during Cleveland’s 4-0 loss to Texas. Cleveland manager Stephen Vogt praised Carrasco’s effort, noting his effective curveball and crucial pitches under pressure.
An Emotional Encounter
Tuesday’s game carries a special emotional weight for Carrasco. It will be the first time he faces his close friend and former teammate, Francisco Lindor, as an opponent. Lindor, reflecting on their years together, said, “That’s my brother. This is the first year (Carrasco) is not next to me in my 10-year career.”
Lindor’s current struggles at the plate—his average dropped to .193 after an 0-for-4 outing on Monday—contrast with the warm reception he received from Cleveland fans. The Mets, who have lost 18 of their last 27 games, managed only Tomas Nido’s third-inning homer and five other hits in their 3-1 loss on Monday.
Mets’ Struggles and Adjustments
Adrian Houser (0-3, 7.44) is set to return to the Mets’ rotation for a spot start on Tuesday. Houser was moved to the bullpen after posting an 8.16 ERA in six starts this season. Since then, he’s shown improvement in relief, allowing three runs—one earned—over four innings in two appearances.
Mets manager Carlos Mendoza remains optimistic about Houser’s potential, stating, “He’s working really hard to his credit, and we’re pretty confident that he’ll get back to the pitcher we know he’s capable of being.”
Key Player Performances
As the game approaches, several key players stand out. Cleveland’s David Fry has a hit in his only at-bat against Houser and is currently batting .385 with eight RBIs in his last 15 games. On the Mets’ side, J.D. Martinez has been their most consistent hitter, boasting a .361 average over his last nine games. Martinez has also hit .370 (10-for-27) with two doubles and two homers against Carrasco.
Conclusion
The narrative around Carlos Carrasco’s return to form with the Cleveland Guardians is compelling, especially as he faces his former team, the New York Mets. This matchup highlights several key storylines:
- Carrasco’s Resilience: Carrasco’s journey has been marked by significant challenges, including health issues like leukemia and subsequent injuries. His recent performance, however, shows a resurgence, particularly evident in his improved ERA in May.
- Nostalgic and Emotional Elements: The game is not just another start for Carrasco; it marks an emotional encounter as he faces his close friend Francisco Lindor for the first time as an opponent. This personal dimension adds a layer of intrigue to the matchup.
- Mets’ Struggles and Adjustments: The Mets are currently in a slump, losing 18 of their last 27 games. The team’s decision to bring Adrian Houser back to the rotation, despite his struggles, indicates a need for adjustments and a hope for turnaround.
- Guardians’ Momentum: The Guardians are riding a wave of success, winning seven of their last eight games and maintaining a strong home stretch. Carrasco’s performance could be crucial in extending this winning streak.
- Key Player Performances: Individual player stats, such as J.D. Martinez’s consistency and David Fry’s recent contributions, are critical. These performances could be decisive in the upcoming game.
The upcoming game is a fascinating blend of personal history, current form, and team dynamics. Carrasco’s ability to maintain his recent form against his old team will be a key factor to watch. Additionally, the Mets’ response to their ongoing struggles and the Guardians’ effort to continue their winning streak add layers of complexity to this anticipated matchup.
