22 games, 0 runs: Weaver putting together historic scoreless streak

This story was excerpted from Anthony DiComo’s Mets Beat newsletter. To read the full newsletter, click here. And subscribe to get it regularly in your inbox.

Asked this week about Luke Weaver, catcher Luis Torrens pursed his lips and whistled.

Weaver on Tuesday became the third Mets pitcher to compile at least 22 consecutive scoreless appearances, joining Mark Guthrie (33 straight in 2002) and Aaron Loup (23 straight in 2021).

The Major League record, for those wondering, is 40 consecutive scoreless appearances, shared by Josh Hader of the 2021-22 Brewers and Ryan Pressly of the 2018-19 Astros. The single-season record is 38, held by old friend Craig Kimbrel of the 2011 Braves. Of the 165 Major League pitchers to have compiled scoreless streaks of at least 22 consecutive games, the vast majority have achieved the feat this century, in the age of specialized, high-velocity relief arms.

Though Weaver is barely halfway to Hader, there seems to be little reason why he can’t keep this going. Weaver hasn’t allowed a baserunner in three consecutive outings. He hasn’t allowed a hit in seven straight appearances. He’s walked one batter in the last six weeks and hasn’t given up an extra-base hit since April.

“It’s attack. It’s confidence. It’s filling up the strike zone with his fastball early, and then the changeup can really play at that point in time,” interim manager Andy Green said. “His stuff is good. I just think he’s had elite command with elite stuff, and that usually leads to really good results.”

Earlier this month, Noah Yingling wrote about how Weaver’s increased fastball velocity and better command of his changeup had led to more success. The result, in Torrens’ words, has been “one of the best pitchers in the game.”

“It’s been incredible,” Torrens added. “To be able to have him on our side, I think it’s really special to be able to use him in those big moments and in those high-leverage games.”