Mark Canha takes one for the team. Photo: Patrick McDermott/Getty Images
The Mets set a modern MLB record with 106 hit batters this season when Mark Canha was plunked twice and Luis Guillorme once in Wednesday's 6-0 loss to the Brewers.
By the numbers: Canha has been hit an MLB-high 24 times and is one of six Mets in the top 25, joined by Brandon Nimmo (16), Starling Marte (13), Pete Alonso (12), Jeff McNeil (11) and Francisco Lindor (10).
What they're saying: "I'm closer to the plate and I don't move," said Canha when asked why he's such a hit-by-pitch magnet. He also led MLB last year, getting hit 27 times.
Between the lines: The near-constant plunking has impacted the Mets all season, ranging from a benches-clearing brawl in April to a handful of injuries, including a fractured finger that currently has Marte on the IL.
The big picture: The three highest HBP totals in the modern era have occurred in the last two years, with the Reds (105) and Dodgers (104) having Mets-like seasons last year.
- Theories as to why numbers are up include more inside pitches, increased velocity of breaking balls, and the ban on "sticky stuff."
- The 1898 Baltimore Orioles hold the all-time HBP record, with 160 in 154 games. Their shortstop, Hughie Jennings, got beaned 46 times that year and holds the MLB record with 287.