While not having Yoenis Cespedes and Juan Lagares available has put a significant dent in the Mets’ outfield depth, it’s been good news for Brandon Nimmo, who has made the most out of his emergence as an everyday player.
Heading into Monday’s game against the Marlins, Nimmo was 8-for-27 with five runs, a double, triple and homer, two RBIs and six walks in his previous eight games — seven of which were starts.
“It’s a huge difference knowing you’re gonna play every day,’’ Nimmo said. “Sometimes when you don’t get in a game for a little while, you put a little more pressure on yourself in the games you do get in. You try not to do that, but sometimes it does creep in.”
He’s also excelled in the leadoff spot, where he was again Monday. Nimmo brought a .435 on-base percentage at the top of the lineup into the game.
“That does help because I feel comfortable in the leadoff position,’’ Nimmo said. “I like being able to get things started. I’m very comfortable there and it plays well into my approach of trying to find good pitches to hit.”
Mickey Callaway has liked what he’s seen from Nimmo wherever he’s put him — whether it’s as a regular player or in a more limited role.
“It’s just the same old stuff we saw when he was coming off the bench,’’ the manager said. “He has great at-bats and a lot of enthusiasm. Even when he walks, the way he runs to first, it pumps everybody up in the dugout. Most people walk and they walk to first. He walks and sprints to first and everybody is in the dugout [saying] ‘Way to go.’ Just his enthusiasm brings a lot to our team every day.”
He’ll also have to figure out how to hit lefties, since his OPS against southpaws heading into Monday was just .516, even worse than the .530 he posted a year ago.
The other challenge for Nimmo will be to keep up that attitude and production on a consistent basis. He doesn’t believe that will be an issue.
“I’ve been able to get into a rhythm in each and it helps getting in there every day,’’ Nimmo said. “I just want to build on the success I’ve had so far. I think that’s easier to do when you feel like you’re in a routine and you’re not just trying to guess about how to deal with each at-bat.”
