Pete Alonso, New York Mets. (Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports)
The New York Mets finally catch a break on the injury front with three players maybe returning.
Despite being completely ravaged by injuries, the New York Mets still maintain a comfortable lead for first place in the downtrodden NL East.
After a series marred by rainouts vs. the rival Atlanta Braves, the Mets will begin a new series out west when they take on the lowly Arizona Diamondbacks. The good news for the Mets besides actually playing baseball again is they look to be getting back three players from the IL: First baseman Pete Alonso, pitcher Seth Lugo and outfielder Kevin Pillar. New York could not be happier.
Can the potential return of Alonso, Lugo and Pillar help keep the Mets in first place in early June?
Pete Alonso, Seth Lugo and Kevin Pillar will return to the New York Mets soon
New York holds a 3.5-game lead over the Braves, who are dealing with a complete fiasco of a situation regarding left fielder Marcell Ozuna. Every team in the NL East is below .500 expect for the Amazins. The best part is New York will be taking on the worst team in the National League during their road trip to Phoenix. The Snakes have been awful this season at 19-35 on the year.
With the return of Alonso, Lugo and maybe even Pillar, this will serve as a boost the depleted Mets could use to take charge in this division in the early part of June. Alonso will bring the power to the middle of the lineup. Lugo will give the pitching staff some innings. As for Pillar, he will be an inspiration to the clubhouse for coming back after getting drilled in the face by Jacob Webb.
If the Mets catch fire in the Valley of the Sun, they might take a commanding lead in the NL East.