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Frazier says Amazin’s gotta keep star hurlers
DENVER — Keep the Mets intact.
As Todd Frazier hears rumors bubbling about players who could be moved, with the Mets struggling and the non-waiver trade deadline less than six weeks away, the veteran third baseman is somewhat incredulous.
“In my mind, I think they want to keep this team together because it’s a good group of guys,” Frazier said after the Mets lost 6-4 to the Rockies on Thursday and finished with seven losses in 10 games on the road trip.
“Think about every team, besides first and second place. There’s around 18, 20 teams that can easily say, ‘We’re going to rebuild,’ so I am not a big fan of rebuild. I am a fan of guys who have been there before. I am a fan of the pitching staff we have. I am a fan of the guys we have coming up and have been playing with. It’s just a matter of winning games.”
Jacob deGrom and Noah Syndergaard are the Mets’ most valuable trade chips, but dealing either could prevent the team from competing for the postseason in 2019 and beyond.
“You don’t trade guys like Jacob deGrom or Noah Syndergaard or Zack Wheeler,” Frazier said. “Those are three right off the top of my head because everybody is talking about them. Those are topof-the-line pitchers you want on your squad for the rest of their careers. Eventually things will turn as hitters and we’ll get more wins for them and things will happen.”
Yoenis Cespedes has progressed in his rehab to the point at which he is expected to begin running within the next few days, according to manager Mickey Callaway. The almost forgotten out- fielder has been on the disabled list since May 16 with a right hip flexor strain.
Paul Sewald and Chris Flexen were optioned to Triple-A Las Vegas after the game. The Mets will promote reliever Drew Smith and outfielder Kevin Kaczmarski, according to sources. Smith was obtained from Tampa Bay in last year’s trade for Lucas Duda.
The Mets have grounded into five double plays in a game seven times in their history. Before Thursday it last happened for the Mets on May 25, 2014 against Arizona.
Brandon Nimmo has a sixgame hitting streak, which ties a career high. Nimmo is 12-for-29 (.414) with three homers and nine RBIs over the streak.