If all goes properly Wednesday in Worcester, Massachusetts, the Mets could have two key starters again by the point they open a sequence in opposition to the Washington Nationals on Friday evening. Catcher Francisco Alvarez and second baseman/outfielder Jeff McNeil are enjoying in what might probably be their remaining rehab video games with Triple-A Syracuse with the aim of being activated Friday.
This implies roster strikes are coming, which is unlucky for the reason that replacements for Alvarez and McNeil have performed so properly. Rookie catcher Hayden Senger has at all times understood that his time within the large leagues was non permanent, however that doesn’t make it straightforward for the Mets to demote the 27-year-old backstop.
Both Brett Baty or Luisangel Acuña might head to Syracuse with Senger. They’ve been platooning at second base rather than McNeil and after some struggles of their first few video games, they’ve turned it on as of late.
Baty made the choice for the Mets much more tough Wednesday with a two-run homer off right-hander Zack Wheeler in a 4-3 win over the Philadelphia Phillies. Acuña, a 23-year-old rookie, brings extra versatility than Baty with pace on the basebaths and the power to play second base, shortstop and middle area. With Jose Siri out for no less than two months, Acuńa has been understanding in middle area in case he’s wanted there.
They each contributed in Wednesday’s walk-off, with Baty going 1-for-2 with a house run and Acuña going 1-for-2 with a single within the ninth. Baty began an inning-ending double play within the fifth, and made a troublesome throw to get Trea Turner out within the seventh.
“It’s something that I’ve got to go back and talk to David [Stearns] now and see what we’re going to do,” mentioned supervisor Carlos Mendoza. “But again, he’s playing well, and so is Acuña. Baty hits a homer, Acuña comes in and gets a single and then he’s in current position. So it’s a tough one here.”
The opposite possibility is to designate outfielder Jose Azocar for project. The Mets have been capable of get him by means of waivers after spring coaching, however they won’t have the ability to do it twice.
McNeil (indirect) has been enjoying middle and second base throughout his rehab project. In his remaining rehab sport, the 2022 NL batting champ has went 2-for-4 with an RBI and a stroll, to complete his eight-game stint hitting .393 with a 1.112 OPS. Alvarez (hamate surgical procedure) went 0-for-4 in opposition to Worcestor, ending his rehab project with a .179 common.
Proper-hander Paul Blackburn (sore proper knee) was set to make one other rehab begin Wednesday, however has been out with a abdomen bug. The Mets are hoping he’s capable of are available in Thursday, a workforce off day, to find out his subsequent step.
MARVELOUS MARTE
Starling Marte, Wednesday’s walk-off hero, has discovered it tough to not play each day. With Juan Soto becoming a member of the Mets, Marte has been used as a platoon DH with Jesse Winker, which is a brand new function for the 36-year-old veteran. Coming into the sport, he was hitting simply .171, however a broken-bat blooper over the top of second baseman Bryson Stott confirmed that he’s studying deal with a lesser workload.
“As the season goes on, I’m going to be able to get it,” he mentioned by means of a workforce translator. “I’m going to be able to adjust the way that I want to so we can kind of get a handle on it.”
What issues probably the most to Marte is that the Mets are successful. At this stage in his profession, he’s trying to find a title.
“That was marvelous,” he mentioned of the undefeated homestand. “It doesn’t matter how we win them, the most important thing is that we do win them.”
DIAZ UPDATE
Edwin Diaz made fast work of the Phillies within the ninth inning earlier than being eliminated after dealing with two batters within the tenth. Kyle Schwarber struck out trying earlier than automated runner Bryce Harper stole third. Nick Castellanos then scored Harper on a single, and Diaz was faraway from the sport with cramps in his hip, feeling it lock up when throwing a fastball to J.T. Realmuto. The nearer repeatedly stepped off the mound earlier than lastly signaling to trainers.
The Mets aren’t involved since Diaz handed a power take a look at, however will monitor him Thursday.
Apparently, the issue stems from having one leg longer than the opposite, one thing found Tuesday.
“I was working with the trainer to get ready for the game and I was watching my legs. I saw the right one longer than the left one and told him that’s normal,” Diaz mentioned. “He said no, so he fixed my hips right away.”
Initially Revealed: April 23, 2025 at 1:51 PM EDT
