Mets first base Pedro Alonso appeared in his third consecutive All-Star Game — fourth overall — on Tuesday night. Even though he didn’t start or hit, the Mets slugger still thoroughly enjoyed the experience.
“They’re all really special, but they’re all different,” Alonso told SNY’s Michelle Margaux after the game. “Each one is just a blessing.”
Alonso came on as a defensive replacement in the seventh inning of the The eventual 5-3 American League victory, but he got a run at the plate to start the ninth inning. Facing the Cleveland Guardians closer Emmanuel ClaseAlonso hit a few 100 mph fastballs before finally hitting a 90 mph slider.
In his four All-Star game appearances, Alonso is now 1-for-5, with his only hit coming in 2019.
But with the Midsummer Classic in the rearview mirror, the 29-year-old is eager for the second half to begin, and so are the Mets.
Winners of seven of the last 10 games, the Mets (49-46) have sole possession of the third and final Wild Card spot. The team is playing well and Alonso wants to help them get back to the postseason.
“I just want to keep helping the team win in any way I can,” Alonso said. “Whether it’s offensively, on the basepaths, defensively or just bringing good energy. I just want to do everything I can to help this team win.
“I know we have a playoff spot now, but there is a lot of work to be done. I am very excited about the challenge at hand.”
The Mets have a slim one-game lead over the Diamondbacks and Padres, but the Pirates, Reds, Giants and Cubs are all lurking in a crowded National League.
It’s going to be a fun few months for Alonso and the Mets, but there’s another storyline to consider for the first baseman. This could be Alonso’s last second half with the Mets as he becomes a free agent at the end of the season.
Alonso was asked if this had ever occurred to him.
“That didn’t cross my mind,” said Alonso. “I still think of New York as home. For me, I’m just trying to do whatever I can to help this team win. I love this group, this organization and the city, it is very near and dear to my heart. I love everything about it and I’m just focused on winning games.”
Alonso and the Mets will restart their season on Friday when they travel to Miami to face the Marlins in three games.
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