Syracuse Mets: Columbus Clippers take Game 1 after roster shake-up

The Syracuse Mets lost a tough one to the Columbus Clippers. Here are the lowlights and some insight into the roster shake-up on Friday.

As winners of six of their past nine, the Syracuse Mets failed to contain the bats of the International League West division leaders Columbus Clippers. Mets pitchers gave up 14 runs on 17 hits while also walking five. Ultimately losing 14-3, to snap Syracuse’s two-game winning streak.

Although there was a roster shake-up before first pitch on Friday evening.

The team looked marginally different then it did just 24 hours ago when the Mets took down the Louisville Bats 12-3 Thursday evening. Before Friday’s game, the New York Mets announced a pair of roster changes that will directly impact the Triple-A squad.

Outfielder Carlos Gomez and Right Handed Pitcher Paul Sewald were recalled to the Majors. Gomez was removed from Thursday night’s game in the top of the 6th inning by Rymer Liriano.

Gomez has played well in the middle of Syracuse’s lineup slashing .270/.329/.500 with 6 home runs and 22 RBIs in 35 games this year. The 33-year-old outfielder was in the starting lineup for the New York Mets Friday night against the Miami Marlins, the first time Gomez has started for New York since 2007, per Anthony DiComo. Gomez in his first Major League action in 2019 went 0-3 with a strikeout in an 8-6 loss to the Marlins.

https://twitter.com/MiLB/status/1129570502408835072

The Mets will need Gomez as he will be replacing Michael Conforto who has been placed on the concussion 7-Day Injured List. Conforto has accounted for a 1.9 bWAR, and 51% of all Mets’ outfielders. Gomez will be replacing failed offseason addition Keon Broxton, -.4 bWAR, who was designated for assignment to make room on the 40-man roster.

Sewald has been the strength out of the Syracuse bullpen all season: 12 games, 18 innings 6 runs, 5 earned and a 2.50 ERA, is making his second stint with the big club this season. From April 14th through the 22nd, Sewald appeared in 3 games for 5 innings and gave up only 2 runs on 4 hits,  one of those hits and runs being a solo home run by All-Star Paul Goldschmidt.

The big club Mets are in need of bullpen arms still as Justin Wilson remains on the Injured List and the struggling Jeurys Familia has only thrown a single inning since his return from the IL. Sewald appeared Friday night for New York, replacing Gomez in a double switch, throwing two innings giving up one run but striking out three.

A veteran Triple-A squad will need to step up if Syracuse wants to win their fourth straight series after the Gomez and Sewald departures. Gregor Blanco got the start in centerfield in Syracuse Friday picking up a pair of hits. Blanco, fellow Major League veteran Rajai Davis will see a majority of outfield at-bats with Liriano and football star turned big league hopeful, Tim Tebow. Tebow and Liriano both end Friday looking to get back to the Mendoza Line, .200 or better batting average, while they battle for time, time Liriano got Friday.

Syracuse and Columbus continue their series at 1:05 p.m., both Saturday and Sunday from NBT Bank Stadium. The Mets hope to capture another series and hold their lead in the International League North.