Mets Broadcaster Keith Hernandez Expresses Dismay Over Braves Reliever’s Disastrous Performance

Atlanta Braves relief pitcher Connor Thomas endured one of the worst performances imaginable during Monday’s game against the New York Mets at Citi Field, a display so troubling that longtime Mets commentator Keith Hernandez struggled to maintain his composure in the broadcast booth. Hernandez, who has provided analysis on Mets broadcasts for nearly three decades, found himself witnessing New York’s dominant 14-3 victory over the visiting Braves.

Despite the Mets’ commanding win, Hernandez expressed deep sympathy for Thomas rather than celebration. “I’m sorry, I just think that’s criminal what we just witnessed,” the Hall of Famer remarked during the bottom of the eighth inning, later adding: “Poor kid, you just want to give him a hug. Literally, I’m sick to my stomach. I’m not a happy camper.”

Thomas entered the game with the score tied at 3-3 but proceeded to allow 10 hits and 11 earned runs while surrendering three home runs and five walks across just 2.2 innings pitched. The 28-year-old reliever retired only eight of the 23 batters he faced before being replaced by a position player on the mound.

The outing marked Thomas’s second appearance of the season for Atlanta. He previously pitched against the Pittsburgh Pirates on July 7, allowing four runs including one home run in 3.2 innings of work. His Monday performance highlighted the strain modern baseball places on relief pitchers forced to work extended innings to preserve the bullpen.