Luis Torrens was happy not to find his name in the pitchers column on Saturday.
The veteran backstop was called upon in relief to record the last out in the bottom of the eighth inning during Friday’s series-opening blowout loss to the Pittsburgh Pirates.
Less than 24 hours later, Torrens found his way to get some sweet revenge, as he picked up three hits and drove in three key runs with a clutch two-out double in the Mets’ 5-2 victory on Saturday afternoon.
“I really had to lock in during that at-bat,” he said through a translator. “Anytime I can help the team offensively or defensively in any way that I can I’m always happy to do that, especially the way I came through today, I was able to get the job done.”
With young slugger Francisco Alvarez continuing his torrid stretch at the plate since returning from thumb surgery, the veteran hasn’t received much consistent playing time.
Despite that, Torrens has stayed prepared for when his name is called and he’s been able to come through for the team when they’ve needed it the most, as we saw yet again on Saturday at PNC.
“I always go out there each and every day and I prepare myself both offensively and defensively,” he said. “I just kind of wait for my opportunity to come and that’s what I was able to do today.”
Torrens has simply been spectacular since being acquired from the Yankees for cash.
There’s a reason David Stearns and Carlos Mendoza sought him out in a deal even with backup Tomas Nido performing well in his extended opportunity as Alvarez was working his way back from injury.
Torrens has given the Mets everything they could’ve possibly asked for on both sides of the ball, posting a .974 OPS while throwing out 6-of-9 would-be base stealers across his first 15 games in orange and blue.
The 28-year-old isn’t a star by any means, but he’s providing the Mets with exactly what they’ve needed in their backup catcher role.
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