Mets manager Carlos Mendoza discussed a number of different topics prior to Friday’s series opener against the Washington Nationals…
Baty the odd man out
With Jeff McNeilofficially returning from the IL, the Mets opted to send Brett Baty to Triple-A.
Baty did make the decision a bit more difficult with his strong play over the past few weeks following a brutal start to the season — but the Mets chose to hang onto outfielder Jóse Azócar and infielder Luisangel Acuña over him.
Mendoza’s reasoning: there simply wouldn’t be enough playing time.
“It was a difficult conversation, but that’s just part of the business,” the skipper said. “It’s a different feeling for him now going back to Triple-A, knowing that I can play at this level, as opposed to when he was struggling.
“We’re sending you down because there won’t be enough playing time — I know it’s tough, but he’ll be back.”
McNeil is expected to receive the bulk of the starts at second base moving forward — but Mendoza said he’d also be comfortable with using the veteran in center and they’ll find ways to keep Acuña fresh.
How things are shaping up behind the plate
McNeil isn’t the only one returning from the IL for Friday’s contest.
Francisco Alvarez is also set to make his season debut behind the plate after missing the first 25 games due to a broken hamate bone he suffered while taking a swing in batting practice early in spring training.
Hayden Senger was optioned down to Triple-A along with Baty.
Luis Torrens now finds himself relegated back to the backup role — but after his tremendous start to the season, both offensively and defensively, Mendoza said they’ll also find ways to keep him in the mix.
“They’re both going to play,” he said. “I have to take care of Alvy. Whether he plays back-to-back with an off day, day games, night games — I’ll have that conversation with Luis, and I’ll try and keep him as active as possible.
“He played really well for us, and he earned an opportunity. We’re keeping Alvy back and he’s going to get an opportunity as well. I think it’s a good problem to have, but I could see both of them playing.”
Diaz good to go
Edwin Diaz appears to be good to go after leaving Wednesday’s game with a hip cramp.
The star closer suffered the injury in the top of the 10th while navigating his second inning of work.
Diaz said postgame that he was already feeling better after doing some strength tests following his departure — but the Mets were going to wait and see how he was doing over the next few days.
He was able to play catch pregame Friday, and everything came back fine.
Mendoza didn’t say whether or not he’d be available out of the bullpen for the series opener — but it appears he won’t miss any time.
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