Do the Mets need a better infield defense in 2017?

Mets pitchers are inducing ground balls at a higher rate this season -- 1.27 for every air out, compared to 1.05 a season ago.

That's attributable in part to the departure of fly-ball-pitcher Bartolo Colon (0.86 this year with the Braves). It also reflects groundball machine Robert Gsellman (2.80) getting a regular rotation turn from the get-go.

Is the infield up to the task?

So far, that doesn't seem to be the case.

Shortstop Asdrubal Cabrera, never known for his range, continues to gut through a knee issue that's further diminished his lateral movement. Neil Walker at second base doesn't have much range, either. And Lucas Duda's trip to the disabled list has resulted in Jay Bruce and now T.J.…