MLB

Eighth wonder: Colon moves up in batting order

Bartolo Colon is moving up in the world.

The Mets pitcher — who hadn’t gotten a hit in nine years before delivering a double against the Cardinals last month — batted eighth on Thursday, after manager Terry Collins saw no other spot for him in the lineup.

Colon finished 0-for-3 and left two runners on base in the Mets’ 3-1 loss to the Braves.
Collins has batted Jacob deGrom eighth on a semi-regular basis and experimented with Jon Niese in that spot, but Colon’s elevation came as a surprise. The manager had previously indicated Colon was not a pitcher he would consider batting eighth.

But Eric Young Jr.’s strong career numbers against Braves right-hander Aaron Harang, coupled with Curtis Granderson’s success in the leadoff spot, left Collins wanting Colon eighth on Thursday.

“Eric Young is a get-on-base kind of a guy, create some runs for you,” Collins said before the game. “If he’s not leading off there’s only one other place to hit him and it’s not in front of the pitcher. So he’s got to hit ninth or he’s got to lead off.

“Did I grapple with it? When I saw those numbers, this guy [Young] is 5-for-9 with four base on balls against Aaron Harang. In 13 plate appearances he’s been on nine times. He’s going to play, so I didn’t grapple very long.”

Young Jr. finished 1-for-3 and scored the Mets’ only run.


The Mets agreed to terms with first-round draft pick Michael Conforto, an industry source confirmed. The deal is pending a physical. Conforto, an outfielder from Oregon State, will receive a $2.97 million signing bonus.


Jeurys Familia was available but did not pitch, after indicating he was fatigued a day earlier. The right-hander had difficulty warming up before his relief appearance against the Braves on Tuesday.

For Familia, who has made 43 appearances this season, it could be a case of adjusting to the daily grind of bullpen life.

“This year is like my first year in the bullpen,” Familia said. “Last year I started in the bullpen, but I was hurt for most of the year, so that’s maybe why I am tired.”


The Mets did not hit a home run, snapping a franchise record streak of nine straight games at Citi Field with a homer.