ATLANTA — Sandy Alderson isn’t happy with the Mets’ record, but isn’t ready to call this season a disaster.
Along those lines, the Mets general manager told CBSsports.com on Wednesday he doesn’t envision blowing up the team before the July 31 non-waiver trade deadline.
“We kind of like our team,” Alderson told the website before the Mets’ 3-1 loss to the Braves. “If you look at the run differential, we should be a .500 team. We’re not. At the same time, it doesn’t mean we should throw everyone overboard.”
The Mets have a a 37-48 record, but had been outscored by just six runs. The Mets are a NL-worst 10-20 in one-run games.
Alderson said he would be “hard-pressed” to deal Jon Niese, perhaps the team’s biggest trade chip. He added a decision will be made in the next 10-12 days whether the Mets will be buyers or sellers at the trade deadline.
Terry Collins departed from his strategy of batting Jacob deGrom eighth in the order and Eric Young Jr. ninth. The manager said the purpose of such a configuration is to put more runners on base for Wright, but because Wright [left shoulder] isn’t expected to resume playing until at least Friday against the Rangers at Citi Field, Collins went with deGrom in the ninth hole.
Eleven players signed with the Mets during the first day of the international signing period.
The Mets will honor the memory of former general manager Frank Cashen, who died Monday at age 88, with a memorial patch featuring his initials. The patch will be displayed on the right sleeve of the Mets uniform, below an insignia for broadcaster Ralph Kiner, who also died this year.
Ruben Tejada went 0-for-3, snapping his 10-game hitting streak. Despite the 0-fer, Tejada is 13-for-40 (.325) during this stretch. His 34 walks entering play were the fourth most by a shortstop. He did not walk Wednesday night.