The Mets took a tough 7-1 loss to the Royals in Game 2 of the World Series last night, leaving some fans wondering whether they should change their starting lineup for the return to Citi Field on Friday. Strong pitching by the Royals combined with good outfield defense has led to more than a few 1-2-3 innings in the first two games of the World Series.
Curtis Granderson makes sense as the leadoff hitter. He has hit .268/.380/.390 in the postseason, and he's seen 4.60 pitches per plate appearance. Daniel Murphy made postseason history by hitting a home run in six straight postseason games and has hit third in the order throughout the playoffs. But Mets captain David Wright has hit .171/.320/.220 in the playoffs. Should Terry Collins move him out of the second spot in the lineup?
Yoenis Cespedes isn't going anywhere as the team's cleanup hitter, which leaves Lucas Duda, Wilmer Flores, and either Juan Lagares or Michael Conforto as the alternatives in the second spot of the order. Duda has been on a hot streak lately and had both of the Mets’ two hits in Game 2. Like Granderson, he's seen a lot of pitches at 4.63 per plate appearance. Swapping Wright and Duda would give the first baseman more plate appearances and could wear the Royals’ pitchers down faster, while still leaving Wright relatively high in the lineup.