Rookie outfielder A.J. Ewing played a pivotal role in the New York Mets' 8-1 victory over the Atlanta Braves at Citi Field on Sunday. The 21-year-old center fielder came within a triple of hitting for the cycle, delivering key offensive contributions against Braves starting pitcher Bryce Elder.

Ewing, who was called up earlier this season to fill a vacancy in center field, produced an opposite-field double during a four-run first inning, followed by a single to center in the third and a home run to right field in the fifth. Prior to Sunday’s game, Ewing had recorded only one hit in his previous 11 at-bats, but his performance against Atlanta showcased his potential at the plate.

Mets manager Carlos Mendoza praised Ewing’s resilience and approach, emphasizing the rookie’s ability to maintain composure despite the challenges of his first major league season. Mendoza compared Ewing’s temperament and consistency to that of fellow rookie outfielder Carson Benge, highlighting their capacity to stay level-headed regardless of game outcomes.

“It’s his ability to stay consistent. He’s going to use the whole field,” Mendoza said. “He hit a homer to the pull side, played defense, and ran the bases. He’s a mature guy and is learning, adjusting and developing at the big league level.”

On the pitching side, the Mets are preparing for Tobias Myers to start Monday’s series opener against the Cincinnati Reds in Cincinnati. Myers, who has been with Triple-A Syracuse recently, pitched 2 ²/₃ innings last Thursday, throwing 36 pitches. Although his time on the mound has been limited, Mendoza indicated Myers could be stretched out for a longer outing, depending on game circumstances.

Myers, acquired in the offseason from Milwaukee alongside Freddy Peralta, has not exceeded two innings per appearance in the majors since May 2. David Stearns, the Mets’ president of baseball operations, stated that Myers’ role will be flexible based on the team’s immediate needs.

Sunday’s game also saw Freddy Peralta, who had struggled in his prior start, use a varied pitch selection to improve his performance. After allowing three hits early on, Peralta and catcher Luis Torrens adjusted by decreasing reliance on the four-seam fastball and increasing usage of curveballs, sliders, and sweepers. This strategy enabled Peralta to finish five innings while throwing 90 pitches.

The Mets’ victory over the Braves was marked by both offensive resurgence and pitching adjustments as the team continues its campaign. The club’s management remains focused on managing its pitching resources strategically while encouraging young players like Ewing to develop at the major league level.