PHILADELPHIA — The results don’t change Pete Alonso’s mind. He wants to play first base, although he’s on track to become the greatest hitter of all time as hitter-designated.
The sample size is so very small, but Alonso capped off a wildly successful debut in 2022 as a newly minted National League DH – when he hit a grand slam in Washington on Saturday – with a triple home run and two doubles as a DH on Wednesday.
Of Alonso’s 10 RBIs, nine have come in the two games he did not play on the field. Alonso was clear he prefers having a glove rather than being stuck in the dugout, although he will do as his manager says.
“I’d rather be out there, but I know this Buck [Showalter is] the one who writes the roster, and I know he’s trying to win every day,” Alonso said after the Mets’ 9-6 win over the Phillies at Citizens Bank Park. “I’d love to play first base every day, but again, [Dominic Smith is] also a great first baseman.”
Alonso has made big leaps but Smith is viewed better defensively.
Pete Alonso (right) jabs Francisco Lindor in the chest after hitting a three-run homer in the Mets’ 9-6 win over the Phillies.AP
“I don’t want to hear about that [Alonso] DH’ing more,” Showalter said with a smile. “He probably doesn’t want to either.”
When not playing on the field, Alonso’s mission is to stay warm at all times. He watches films, studies scouting reports and sprints through the tunnel.
“I’m just trying to keep my body warm so I don’t get cold and strain a muscle,” said Alonso, adding that he’s also watching the game.
Following his weekend grand slam, the first of his career, the slugger remarked, “Grannies are sick.”
This time he was asked how to characterize a three-run homer.
“I mean, they’re sick too,” Alonso said. “All Homers are sick.”
Kyle Schwarber ended the game 0-4 with a walk and three strikeouts. The left hitter, who usually kills the Mets, went just 0-to-12 with seven strikeouts in the series.
Pete Alonso celebrates with Starling Marte after strapping a homer in three carries in the Mets’ win.USA TODAY Sports
“Somebody’s going to pay for it, a guy like him,” Showalter said. “I don’t want to be the next team trying to get him out. Our guys put him up really well.”
Trevor May is still “daily,” Showalter said after the reliever left Monday’s game with a mild tricep strain.
“Hopefully he makes some improvements, has the day off [Thursday] to work with,” Showalter said. “Hopefully we can avoid that [injured list] with him.”
The Mets changed the top of their lineup, knocking out Francisco Lindor (who batted second) and Starling Marte (third).
“It looks different… [Aaron] Nola had something to do with it,” Showalter said before the game.
Lindor went 1-on-4 with a double, walk and two runs scored, and Marte went 2-on-5 with two runs scored.