Nimmo Focused on Rangers' Playoff Push, Not Mets Past
Outfielder Brandon Nimmo discusses his trade from New York and his current team's pursuit of a postseason berth.
Texas Rangers outfielder Brandon Nimmo is prioritizing his team's playoff aspirations over reflections on his past with the New York Mets. The Rangers currently lead the AL West by one game, a position that occupies Nimmo's attention as the season progresses.
Nimmo was traded to the Rangers for Marcus Semien in an offseason deal that followed his agreement to waive his no-trade clause. This move was part of a larger restructuring by the Mets, which also saw Pete Alonso eventually depart for the Orioles in free agency after the Mets' president of baseball operations, David Stearns, opted not to pursue a long-term contract with the first baseman.
When asked if he and Alonso were made scapegoats for the Mets' previous season's struggles, Nimmo suggested a different perspective. "I honestly think we just weren’t thought of as a solution moving forward," Nimmo stated. "I don’t think we were blamed for what happened in the past. I tried not to read any more into it than that."
Regarding the Mets' performance this season, Nimmo acknowledged the challenging start but expressed optimism for their current trajectory. "It was obviously not the way they drew it up, for things to start," he said. "But it looks like they are trying to finish on a good note and that is always something that is good, especially with young guys."
Nimmo was not surprised by Pete Alonso's performance upon his return to Citi Field, where he hit a game-tying home run for his 300th career blast. "I know Pete, and he lives for those moments," Nimmo commented. "That’s the magic of Pete and that is why people love him and we loved him."
In other Mets-related news, pitcher Christian Scott has been placed on the injured list with left knee inflammation, an injury sustained during his last start. Manager Andy Green indicated the injury occurred when Scott landed awkwardly on a warmup pitch. Scott posted a 3.85 ERA in 23 starts for the Mets this season. Reliever Devin Williams has been activated from the IL after recovering from a shoulder strain, with plans for him to resume the closer role next season.