LONDON — “Absolutely chaotic.”
That was the phrase Mets reliever Drew Smith used to describe the final game of the London Series between the Mets and the Phillies.
After eight relatively unremarkable innings, the Mets — thanks in large part to Philadelphia closer Jose Alvarado’s lack of control — scored three times in the top of the ninth to take a two-run lead. But the Phillies responded with their own comeback attempt in the bottom of the inning, scoring a run and loading the bases with one out.
So it was Nick Castellanos’ turn, who hit a soft grounder right in front of the plate. Jumping quickly, Mets catcher Luis Torrens grabbed the ball, backed up to touch home plate, then threw to first as pinch-runner Garrett Stubbs slid him down. The result was not only a Mets victory 6-5but also the first double play with a rolling 2-3 route to end a game in AL/NL history.
“I don’t think I’ve seen that before,” said Mets manager Mendoza.
You definitely haven’t seen it, because before Sunday, no one had. Only seven times in AL/NL history had a game ended in a double play with a ground ball to the catcher, and none were scored exactly as 2-3 (catcher to first base). Since 1912, which is as far as MLB’s data on the subject goes, the only other 2-3 double play to end a game occurred on a fly ball.
“I was just thinking about grabbing the ball, touching the plate and then throwing to first,” Torrens said. “I knew Castellanos was trying to run full speed toward the base.”
Like a middle infielder, Torrens effectively turned and threw, staying long enough for Stubbs’ foot to hit his left ankle. (The receiver spent a moment on the ground after the play, but was not seriously injured.)
More than a historic play, it was the latest evidence of how Torrens has transformed not only the Mets’ fortunes, but his own.
Less than two weeks ago, Torrens was a minor leaguer in the Yankees organization, waiting for another opportunity. Seeking a short-term upgrade while waiting for fellow Venezuelan Francisco Álvarez to recover from surgery on his left thumb, the Mets decided to gamble on Torres, paying the Yankees $100,000 for the rights to a 28-year-old player who had not appeared. regularly in the Major Leagues from 2022.
Since then, they have enjoyed a tremendous return on investment. In the Mets’ last game before the London Series, last Wednesday in Washington, Torrens hit two home runs and retired a runner on second base. So inspiring has his performance been that even team owner Steve Cohen mentioned the backup catcher before Sunday’s game in London, while talking about his front office’s improved decision-making.
“A perfect example is that we brought in Luis Torrens, right?” Cohen indicated. “For $100,000…and he helps us win a game. When you’re fighting for a playoff spot, winning one or two more games really matters.”
These are certainly reasons for the Mets to keep Torrens beyond Tuesday, when Alvarez is scheduled to return from the disabled list. But that’s not a guarantee. Over the past few days, Mendoza and other Mets officials have been weighing the merits of Torrens or Puerto Rican Tomás Nido as Álvarez’s backup, which Mendoza described as “a difficult decision.” Both have performed well in relatively small samples.
Performing historic feats at moments of maximum tension can only help Torrens’ chances.
“Not just his at-bats, but that play to end the game,” Mendoza noted, “says a lot about him as a player.”
