ATLANTA — Jose Reyes took to Twitter before Saturday’s game to post a positive thought.
“Reyes will get a hit,” the Mets shortstop posted 11 times in succession. The tactic worked. Reyes, who was hitless in 20 at-bats to start the season, went 3-for-4 with a run in the Mets’ 4-3 loss to the Braves at SunTrust Park.
Reyes said he got the idea to tweet from Dexter Fowler, who broke a slump earlier this month with a similar tactic.
“Tonight was the first night I felt good at the plate, so hopefully it carries over,” Reyes said.
Reyes got the start at shortstop so Amed Rosario could receive a break. Manager Mickey Callaway noted Rosario will play Sunday then get another break with Monday’s scheduled day off.
“I think [Reyes] just went out there and played baseball,” Callaway said. “He had a really good game. That was nice to see.”
Jose Reyes, who was hitless entering Saturday’s game, didn’t get any respect from Atlanta-area elementary students.Getty ImagesIf Yoenis Cespedes believes playing an occasional 18 holes will help his swing at the plate, his manager isn’t about to object.
Cespedes, who went 0-for-5 with three strikeouts and dropped his average to .195, has said a return to playing golf during the season may help him break slumps. The outfielder gave up golf this year in an effort to remain fresher physically.
“I think golf is like anything else,” Callaway said. “If he does it the right way, if he is smart about it, off days, days when we come in we are not taking BP, and it doesn’t fatigue him and affect baseball, then guys can do what they want away from the field as long as it doesn’t affect what we are trying to do as a team.”
After delivering a go-ahead single for the Mets in the 12th inning on Friday, Cespedes said he is watching more video than in previous seasons. His old remedy for finding his swing at the plate was golf, which helped him focus on keeping his hands in so his shoulder wouldn’t fly open.
Corey Oswalt was recalled from Triple-A Las Vegas to give the Mets a fresh bullpen arm. Gerson Bautista was optioned to Double-A Binghamton. The righty Oswalt was with the Mets for one day earlier this month, but returned to Las Vegas before appearing in a game.
