Players Of The Month: Lindor, Peterson Shine in August

This one is pretty easy.

As the Mets head into September, they’re a season-best nine games over .500 after sweeping the lowly Chicago White Sox. Now, as they gear up for a pennant race, it’s time to look back at August. After going 33-18 in June and July, August wasn’t as smooth sailing for New York, who dropped their series to the Angels and A’s and was swept in a relatively uncompetitive fashion in Seattle.

But since Friday, Aug. 16, the Mets rebounded to finish the month at 10-5. The Mets have won four series (Miami, Baltimore, Arizona, and Chicago) while splitting with the Padres in San Diego. These last couple of weeks haven’t been without their heartbreaking losses, but the Mets have found a way to sail through choppy waters and weather the storm to enter their homestand just one game back of Atlanta for the final Wild Card spot.

The Mets’ prime contention for a playoff position can be attributed to two of their red-hot players, Francisco Lindor and David Peterson. As a result, both veterans are the MMO Players of the Month, as each enjoyed bundles of success in August.

HITTER OF THE MONTH

Lindor struggled mightily for most of the first couple of months, but since Carlos Mendoza moved him into the leadoff spot, he’s been the best hitter in the National League — and the stats back up that up. Lindor hasn’t cooled off since and went on an absolute tear in August, hitting .328/.371/.578 with a .949 OPS. He also hit nine doubles, six home runs, and one triple with eight walks, 16 RBIs, and 21 runs scored. Over the last two weeks, Lindor ranked eighth among qualified hitters in OPS (1.071), tied for fifth in home runs (5), tied for fifth in doubles (5), tied for fourth in hits (19) and sixth in slugging percentage (.690).

PITCHER OF THE MONTH

Peterson went 3-0 with a 1.86 ERA and 1.112 WHIP in August. He struck out 27 and walked 13 in 38.2 innings pitched. While the walks were high, what was impressive was Peterson’s ability to get in and out of trouble and give the Mets some much-needed length, as he went at least seven innings or more in his last three starts. Peterson pitched into the seventh inning in four of his previous six starts. He only gave up one earned run or less in three of those starts, and he struck out a season-high eight batters in a win over the Orioles.

With Lindor and Peterson leading the way, the Mets are well-positioned for a strong September. Can they continue their winning ways and secure a playoff spot?

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