With Nimmo out, Pillar steps right in
Kevin Pillar has big shoes to fill. Brandon Nimmo exited Game 1 of Saturday’s doubleheader against the Nationals with a hamstring strain that will cause him to miss most, if not all, of the 26 games remaining on the schedule. In his absence, Pillar’s playing time will increase as he becomes the team’s starting center fielder most days, with Albert Almora Jr. filling in.
Pillar capitalized on his opportunity Sunday, smacking a grand slam and going 2-for-4 with a walk in the Mets’ victory. The 32-year-old has four home runs in his last seven games.
“Not playing all the time, it’s easy to sit on the bench and hope you get an opportunity. I’ve just stayed ready for my opportunity,” Pillar said. “It’s unfortunate with Nimmo down again. But I’m prepared. I work every day as if I’m going to play every day, constantly making adjustments. I’m just confident in my ability. I’m going out there trying to help this team win.”
Nimmo was one of the team’s best hitters, recently relocated to the two-hole to fit neatly behind red-hot leadoff batter Jonathan Villar.
He went on the IL between games on Saturday with a 134 OPS+ and the second-best OPS (.835) on the Mets behind Pete Alonso (.844). When healthy, Nimmo slashed .302/.420/.415 with 50 walks, 23 RBI and five home runs in 77 games this season. His .420 on-base percentage is ranked second in MLB behind only Juan Soto (.447).
Those numbers, of course, cannot be replicated by Pillar with just 16% of the season remaining. But his ability to come up clutch, particularly in extra innings where he’s 3-for5 with two home runs and eight RBI this year, bodes well for the Mets’ chances late and close.
Pillar said he relies on his experience in those pressure-packed, high-leverage situations. The combination of knowing he has more than 3,500 career at-bats, and that it’s not only up to him to spark a rally, helps remind him that he’s conquered those moments and he can do it again. Pillar’s perspective in high-leverage situations involves putting the pressure on the pitcher to try to get him out, knowing that he’s going to make the pitcher work for it.
Defensively, Pillar is not much of an upgrade over Nimmo in center. The nine-year veteran has the same four defensive runs saved as Nimmo this season, and a lower Ultimate Zone Rating of 2.7 against Nimmo’s 3.7. Manager Luis Rojas said he doesn’t think there is a dropoff in outfield defense with Pillar.
“KP is playing better defense this year than the last couple of years. He got hurt last year when he played in Fenway Park, and also when he played in Colorado, metrics-wise,” Rojas said “But KP can go after a ball.”