MINNEAPOLIS — Drew Smith is hoping for a string of dominant outings to complete his otherwise disappointing season, but the damage has already occurred.
Summoned on Saturday in the seventh inning, the Mets reliever walked two batters and allowed three hits and was removed after recording two outs in his team’s 8-4 loss to the Twins at Target Field.
Smith has pitched to a 4.56 ERA in 54 appearances this season as maybe the team’s biggest underachiever from the bullpen.
“It’s been a roller-coaster for sure,” Smith said. “Inconsistent so far — there’s still a little time to get back on track before the end of the year and hopefully finish strong and go into the offseason with some positive outings. But it’s definitely been a roller-coaster.
“I would like to end on a scoreless streak, that would be great, command of off-speed pitches and first-pitch strikes, I feel like I am falling behind early in counts and losing the 1-1 count too.”
Manager Buck Showalter noted that Smith’s penchant for falling behind in the count has created plenty of long innings.
“He is having a lot of 20-plus pitch innings out there,” Showalter said. “We have seen Drew better than that, it’s just frustrating.”
Brett Baty went 0-for-4 with two strikeouts and now owns a .174/.174/.174 slash line in seven games since his recall from Triple-A Syracuse.
“I have been impressed with him defensively, but there are some things he and Alvy and everybody’s going to have to go through,” Showalter said, also referring to Francisco Alvarez. “We would like to see him finish strong and there is still time for that.”
Luis Guillorme is scheduled to play in a second minor league rehab game on Sunday for Single-A Brooklyn.
The infielder, who is returning from a right calf strain, is expected to play again for the Mets this season, but his return date isn’t close, according to Showalter.
Starling Marte has shown improvement during workouts in his rehab of a right groin strain, according to Showalter.
The veteran outfielder ran “at a high percentage,” according to the manager, and the organization is happy with the manner he is proceeding. Showalter still hasn’t ruled out the possibility of Marte returning this season.
