Here are the keys Mets updates as the team prepares for the NLCS, with their opponent to be determined Friday night when the Padres and Dodgers play Game 5 of the NLDS in Los Angeles…
Kodai Senga the likely Game 1 NLCS starter
The Mets know they will travel to California for the first two games of the NLCS. But they haven’t picked their Game 1 starter yet.
Carlos Mendoza said Friday that the decision will be announced and stated on Saturday Kodai Senga, Sean ManaeaAnd Luis Severino as possible options.
According to SNY MLB Insider Andy Martino, Senga is likely to start Game 1. Martino notes that the Mets need to check in with all their pitchers to make sure everyone is on track before making a final decision.
Senga returned to start Game 1 of the NLDS against the Phillies last Saturday in Philadelphia, pitching two innings of one-run ball in what was his first MLB action since July 26.
If Senga starts Game 1 in California, it’s fair to assume he’ll be limited to three or four innings (or less, depending on his pitch count), meaning he’d almost certainly be taken on the back – maybe Through David Peterson or Tylor Megill.
When Manaea is called, he is given a normal rest period (four days).
If it’s Severino, he’ll get six days of rest.
Jeff McNeil’s potential availability
McNeil recently took batting practice and the plan is for him to play in the Arizona Fall League on Friday and Saturday.
According to Mendoza, the goal is for McNeil to play between seven and nine innings each day, potentially getting four at-bats per game.
Mendoza indicated that if all goes well, McNeil – who has not played since suffering a broken wrist on September 6 – will be on the NLCS roster.
If the Mets add McNeil, they will deduct one pitcher from the roster (probably Danny Jong or Adam Ottavino) and bring 12 instead of 13, or remove a bench player (probably Luisangel Acuna).
Adding McNeil to the roster would give the Mets a ton of positional versatility – something they lacked a bit in the NLDS.
David Peterson’s role will remain fluid
Peterson has emerged as an X-factor in the bullpen during the postseason, and Mendoza said his role will remain fluid.
In three appearances over 6.1 innings of relief in the playoffs, Peterson has not allowed a run.
Peterson’s performance was especially crucial in New York’s Game 1 NLDS win at Philadelphia, when he fired three one-hit innings in relief of Senga. to keep the Mets within striking distance before they struck.
The big southpaw threw another 2.1 shutout innings in relief Jose Quintana in Game 4, keeping the Mets close again before erupting in the sixth inning.
Carlos Mendoza on a potential Subway World Series
The Mets and Yankees are both in the LCS for the first time since 2000, when they faced off in the first Subway World Series since 1956.
And while there’s still a long way to go before a potential all-New York matchup in this year’s Fall Classic, Mendoza wasn’t shy about answering when asked about it.
“It will be great,” Mendoza said. “It will be an incredible experience. For the city of New York and the two fan bases it will be a dream come true.
“Again, I don’t want to get too far ahead. But the fact that the two teams are in it – in a position to do something special – is a great feeling for a lot of people. Especially for us at the Mets, and also for the Yankees.”
