After surge, Amed takes step back

WASHINGTON – While the focus has been on the Mets injury-prone bullpen or the team’s lack of offensive production, Amed Rosario is quietly putting together impressive hit streaks.

Rosario, who like many Mets went hitless Wednesday night, had entered the night on an eight-game hitting streak, batting .333 (12for-36) in that span. Rosario had hit safely in 22 of his last 24 games since April 13 and collected 14 RBI over that early season stretch. The 23-year-old’s career-best hitting streak is nine games – achieved in mid-April this season.

Last week, Mickey Callaway adjusted the lineup when the team began its six-game road trip with an 0-4 start. With Noah Syndergaard on the hill for game two against the Padres, Rosario batted second for the first time this season. He connected right away, slicing an RBI single to score the game’s first run in the opening frame.

Besides one game last season batting in the two-hole, Rosario saw most of his at-bats leading off for the Mets in 2018. The shortstop said he feels very comfortable digging into the box early.

Rosario, who hit sixth Wednesday night, is at his best in the first inning. He entered Wednesday hitting .636 (7-for-11) with a home run and eight RBI in the opening frame this year. Since Callaway made the lineup adjustment, the 23-year-old had found himself batting behind Jeff McNeil – the scrappy outfielder who is seemingly always on base. Rosario said he enjoys batting behind McNeil and picks up tips from the Mets leadoff man.

“I love when McNeil bats first because he’s always trying to put the ball in play or he always gets on base,” Rosario said. “And he always hustles to get in scoring position so he gives me the opportunity to drive in runs.”

But while Rosario’s offensive production has been consistent, his glove work has received all the spotlight. Rosario has commited 10 errors over 37 games at shortstop this season. The mishaps are particularly confounding when Rosario looks strong on tough plays, then bobbles a routine grounder on the next play.

After a stretch of 10 errors in 17 games, Rosario has been error-free in his last five games in the hole.