The Mets play their first baseball game tonight since the Edwin Díaz injury. Díaz brought the excitement to Citi Field and we wish him a speedy and easy recovery. His injury has sent shockwaves through the Mets clubhouse and really throughout all of baseball. Here’s hoping that the Mets players are taking care of each other in what is probably a somber and subdued clubhouse right now.
From a baseball side, the Mets could use a normal start tonight from Kodai Senga. In addition to Díaz, Sam Coonrod, Bryce Montes de Oca joined the Mets injured list this week. José Quintana and Brooks Raley were already on that list. Out of the group of pitchers, Raley is the only who is likely ready for Opening Day. Senga is returning to the mound after his last start was scratched due to a finger injury.
Three Things To Watch For:
- Senga’s Second Start: In Senga’s first start he allowed one run from a hit and two walks over two innings while striking out two. Looking at his game performance – he was probably a mixture of anxious/amped/nervous to start as he walked the first two batters of the game. With that first start out of the way, we are looking forward to see a more stretched out, relaxed Senga today – hopefully dicing through the Nationals lineup with his ghost forkball.
- Tim Locastro: Tim was brought into camp as an NRI and has just shined. In 14 games and 37 plate appearances he has a .355/.444/.581 batting line with five doubles and five stolen bases. He’s also been hit by four pitches so far. Every Mets team needs a bench player who steps up. Locastro and Mendick could be a useful 1-2 punch off the bench.
- Another Start For Brett Baty: Venezuela is moving on in the World Baseball Classic so Brett Baty will get even more time to show the world his skill set. In 15 games and 36 plate appearances he has a .400/.500/.533 batting line with a homer and two stolen bases. If this continues for another two weeks he’s going to force conversations about breaking camp with the team.
Let’s Go Mets!
