PHILADELPHIA — The Mets are crossing their fingers regarding two of the higher arms of their Opening Day bullpen.
Drew Smith, who was anticipated again first Tuesday after which Wednesday, had “slightly little bit of a setback,” supervisor Carlos Mendoza mentioned, whereas Brooks Raley has been recognized with a UCL pressure and is delaying a choice on surgical procedure.
Smith first: The righty, who has been on the injured listing retroactive to April 24 with proper shoulder soreness, performed catch earlier than Tuesday’s loss and reported “a pinch” on the again of his shoulder.
Smith’s earlier subject had been felt on the entrance of his shoulder.
“We don’t assume it’s something severe,” Mendoza mentioned earlier than the Mets misplaced, 10-5, to the Phillies at Residents Financial institution Park.
Smith didn’t throw Wednesday and is predicted to start throwing once more Thursday.
“We don’t anticipate this being a protracted setback,” mentioned Mendoza, who added the membership didn’t really feel the problem but required additional exams on Smith’s shoulder.
Raley, in the meantime, visited Dr. Keith Meister in Texas on Tuesday and realized he has a UCL pressure however one “that’s therapeutic,” Mendoza mentioned.
UCL strains typically require surgical procedure — a dicey proposition for a lefty who turns 36 subsequent month — and Raley apparently needs to offer his throwing elbow an opportunity to bounce again by itself.
Mendoza mentioned the plan is for Raley to be shut down from throwing for 2 weeks after which “see the place we’re at.”
“I don’t know,” Mendoza mentioned, requested in regards to the optimism that surgical procedure could be averted. “It’s onerous for me to sit down right here and speculate.”
After shaking up the roster, the Mets shook up the beginning lineup, too.
Pete Alonso hit No. 2 for the primary time all season, after Brandon Nimmo and forward of Francisco Lindor.
J.D. Martinez batted cleanup, Mark Vientos fifth and Starling Marte — usually the No. 2 hitter — was bumped to sixth.
“Simply attempting to get one thing going,” Mendoza mentioned. “I like Pete’s at-bats as of late. … However I like the flexibility of Marte.”
Jeff McNeil, who was down on the filth for a number of moments after fouling a pitch off his left knee within the sixth inning, is OK, Mendoza mentioned.
“Bought him good, although, however he’s high quality,” Mendoza added.
Adrian Houser made his second look out of the bullpen and allowed three runs (only one earned) within the last two innings.
