WASHINGTON — In two games since taking over the starting center-field duties, Kevin Pillar has reminded the Mets he’s capable of bringing another potent bat to the lineup.
Pillar blasted a grand slam in the ninth inning Sunday to put the icing on the Mets’ 13-6 demolition of the Nationals, a day after hitting a two-run blast in the team’s loss in the nightcap of a doubleheader.
Brandon Nimmo’s placement on the injured list with a strained right hamstring changed Pillar’s job description Saturday from capable backup to starter in center.
“I stayed ready for my opportunity,” Pillar said. “It’s unfortunate that Nimmo went down again, but I’m prepared. I work every day as if I’m going to play every day. I’m constantly making adjustments.”
Pillar received significant playing time earlier in the season with Nimmo on the IL because of a ligament tear in his left hand. Pillar’s opportunities to play had been limited in the second half, with Nimmo, Michael Conforto and Dominic Smith receiving the majority of playing time. Lately, that cast has included Jeff McNeil in the left-field mix.
But Pillar has capitalized on his chances. Sunday’s homer was his fourth in his last seven games, a stretch in which he’s driven in 10 runs.
“I am trying to pull the ball a little bit less,” Pillar said. “I am letting the pitch travel a little bit more, I have been getting good results, but I’m confident in my ability. I’m valuing just trying to give the team a good at-bat every time … trying to make the pitcher work.”
Pillar said his resolution to pull the ball less came because he was getting fooled on too many off-speed pitches. Pillar for the season owns a .224/.265/.422 slash line with 14 homers and 39 RBIs in 268 at-bats.
“I’ve been a pull hitter my whole life, since I was a little kid, and it’s something I don’t have to try to do,” he said. “It’s something I just have to react, and moving a little bit closer to the plate, moving a little bit closer in the box, it kind of changed my field a little bit.”