Lessons for Reyes and Flexen
CINCINNATI — There are still things to learn from this season, apparently. Even in the Mets’ embarrassing 14-4 loss to the Reds on Tuesday night at the Great American Ball Park, Jose Reyes was learning to play left field and Chris Flexen was learning a lesson about responsibility.
In a battle of two teams going nowhere, the Reds (56-76) scored five in the first inning to put the Mets (57-74) away early. It was the first time the Reds had beaten the Mets since Sept. 7, 2014.
Reyes made his first career start in the outfield and did OK, until he let a Billy Hamilton line drive get past him in the third inning. Flexen, who had allowed five runs in the first, allowed his emotions to get the best of him, throwing his hands up in frustration in Reyes’ direction.
“I was frustrated, as soon as the game was over, went over addressed him. Apologized for that,” said Flexen, who realized he’d shown up the veteran and decided to make the apology. “He mentioned he didn’t see it, nobody addressed me. Regardless of what happens, frustration or whatever that can’t happen I addressed that immediately.” The veteran infielder said it was good the rookie righthander realized his mistake. “He should know a little bit better, I don’t even know what happened, he apologized, he knows it’s my first time out there. I appreciate that coming from him,” Reyes said. “I was out there first time, grinding, tried to catch it. It’s not easy when they throw you out there for the first time. I try to do my best. Yeah, that was good he did that.”
In a season that is now just an extended preparation for 2018, the Mets have to take any lessons their youngsters learn as a positive. Rookie first baseman Dominic Smith snapped an 0-for-12 streak with a sharp single up the first-base line that scored two in the sixth inning.
But Flexen had a rough night all around. He allowed seven runs on seven hits, walking four and striking out four in 4.2 innings work. But the 23-year-old was brought straight up from Double-A and thrown right into the fire, so the Mets have to expect some setbacks.
Rookie reliever Chase Bradford also had tough night, allowing seven runs, four earned on six hits and a walk in the eighth. He did not retire a batter and backup catcher Kevin Plawecki finished off the inning.