LONDON — Jeff McNeil’s exodus from the Mets’ beginning lineup is prone to finish Sunday.
With the workforce set to finish a string of 4 straight video games towards left-handed beginning pitchers, supervisor Carlos Mendoza indicated Saturday that McNeil will in all probability be the starter towards Taijuan Walker.
McNeil had little to say earlier than Saturday’s recreation about his current exclusions from the lineup aside from he can be prepared when known as upon.
Reminded that he hasn’t been platooned earlier than, McNeil alluded to Jose Iglesias’ addition to the roster.
“We’ve additionally by no means had a backup second baseman who’s a right-handed hitter,” McNeil mentioned earlier than the Mets misplaced, 7-2, to the Phillies at London Stadium.
Mendoza mentioned there was nothing to McNeil’s exclusion from the lineup past the actual fact the Mets confronted 4 straight lefties and Iglesias was taking part in nicely.
Iglesias went 2-for-4 on today and owns a .935 OPS since arriving from Triple-A Syracuse on Might 31.
Mendoza downplayed any significance to workforce brass’ just lately telling Brett Baty he needs to be ready to see motion at second base for Syracuse.
Mendoza mentioned Baty’s inclusion within the second-base combine would solely be as an emergency possibility.
“He’s nonetheless a 3rd baseman,” Mendoza mentioned. “We’re very happy with the place he’s at in his development defensively. It was simply extra, as a substitute of getting his first recreation an inning or two on the huge league stage, perhaps we try this in Triple-A simply in case one thing occurs if wanted right here sooner or later.”
Mendoza confirmed that Kodai Senga’s timeline is now for the second half of the season, saying it’s protected to imagine the right-hander received’t pitch for the workforce earlier than the All-Star break.
Senga, whose rehab had a setback final month, might throw a bullpen Monday or Tuesday.
Saturday’s recreation drew 53,882 at London Stadium — a non-sellout, however a powerful exhibiting by followers nonetheless, in accordance with Harrison Bader.
The stadium’s capability for baseball is listed at 60,000.
“I believe these video games are a number of enjoyable to play in, however much more so for the followers,” Bader mentioned. “It’s simply been an ideal expertise thus far.”
