Welcome to Panik Citi?
The Mets, eyeing a potential upgrade at second base with Robinson Cano sidelined by a torn left hamstring, have preliminary interest in Joe Panik, according to an industry source.
Panik, a former St. John’s standout who grew up in Hopewell Junction, N.Y., was placed on waivers Wednesday by the Giants. If he is not claimed, he would be released Friday and free to sign elsewhere.
The Mets were unlikely to claim Panik off waivers — such a move would leave them responsible for the roughly $1 million the second baseman is owed for the remainder of the season — but could get involved if he becomes a free agent, according to the source. Panik, 28, has a slash line of .235/.310/.317 with three homers and 27 RBIs.
Cano is expected to miss the remainder of the season after tearing his hamstring on Sunday. The Mets have used Jeff McNeil, Luis Guillorme and Adeiny Hechavarria at second base in his absence.
Justin Wilson recorded the final out of the seventh inning of the Mets’ 7-2 win over the Marlins — after allowing a single to put the tying run on base — to continue his recent strong relief work. The left-hander has allowed only one run in 15 appearances since returning from an injured-list stay for an elbow
problem.
“I think [Wilson] can fulfill many roles for us, come in in a big situation, get outs,” manager Mickey Callaway said. “I think he can pitch the seventh, the eighth the ninth for us. I have the utmost confidence in him and the way he’s been pitching. He’s a bulldog. He is going to go out there and give you his best stuff every day. He loves to pitch and he loves big situations.”
McNeil extended his hitting streak to seven games with a home run in the seventh inning. Over that stretch, he is 11-for-24 (.458) with four homers and six RBIs. … The Mets have scored in the first inning in each of their past seven games — a mark last reached from June 29-July 5 in 2010. The Rays are the only other MLB team to score in the first inning of seven straight games this season.
Source: Read Full Article