NL Notes: Mets Lose Lugo; Miller Returns to Phillies; Arrieta Signs With Cubs

Mets reliever Seth Lugo will be out for months. His elbow had loose bodies an injury that required surgery. He won’t throw for six weeks, and that’s why you know this injury could be 2-3 months easily. It’s a big blow to the Mets bullpen. That bullpen has been re-tolled, and now there’s a big hole in the 8th inning and occasional finish out a game arm.

Enter, Dellin Betances? He’s two years out of arm surgery now. Last season was practice, and now the former New York Yankees bullpen star has a chance to show if he can return to his 2018 form. That year he had 20 holds, four saves, and 115 strikeouts in 66 2/3 innings. Now 32, this year is vital for his career and future earnings. There are other bullpen options for the Mets but this player, if healthy, is the best person for the job, so cross your fingers Mets fans.

The Phillies Bring Back Brad Miller

His nickname in these parts has been “bamboo” because he didn’t want to bear the cost to ship his prized plant back to Florida when he was first on the Phillies. That was two years ago. He’s an infielder with some pop who can play at third base in case Alec Bohm, one of their best young players has a hiccup this season. Brad Miller is a good add and now he’s smart and will get plants that won’t grow as much this way they won’t cost as much to ship. You would think his salary would be enough to cover it?

Jake Arrieta is Back With The Cubs

Somewhere, there’s a slow clap coming from a house in suburban Illinois. But for most who watched him in Philadelphia, he mostly kept his shirt on and kept his wins to a minimum. His velocity is down and that means he gives up a lot of hits. His WHIP was 1.511 in 2020. That’s super high. The plus side is he still is an innings eater. He hasn’t won 10 games since 2018.  

New Rules, New Baseballs

So many things have been in flux for weeks. We heard those seven-inning doubleheaders and starting runners on second base are back. I can’t find anybody happy about this, but somebody must be. MLB changed baseballs to make them livelier and now have changed them to the point where they may travel 5-7 feet less than before. Here’s a thought? Leave it all alone? If you’re worried about younger viewers, don’t worry about it. You’ve lost them already; all you are doing now is alienating the hardcore fans who remain. People who like faster sports will never like baseball. If you want instant action, this isn’t your sport. Nothing will change that. Few watch the sport if they never played it or watched it with their family as a kid. MLB needs to come to grips with that.