LONDON — Jeff McNeil’s exodus from the Mets’ beginning lineup is more likely to finish Sunday.
With the workforce set to finish a string of 4 straight video games in opposition to left-handed beginning pitchers, supervisor Carlos Mendoza indicated Saturday that McNeil will most likely be the starter in opposition to Taijuan Walker.
McNeil had little to say earlier than Saturday’s recreation about his current exclusions from the lineup aside from he shall be prepared when referred to as upon.
Reminded that he hasn’t been platooned earlier than, McNeil alluded to Jose Iglesias’ addition to the roster.
“We’ve also never had a backup second baseman who is 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 very fact the Mets confronted 4 straight lefties and Iglesias was enjoying properly.
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’ 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 still a third baseman,” Mendoza mentioned. “We are very pleased with where he is at in his progression defensively. It was just more, instead of having his first game an inning or two at the big league level, maybe we do that in Triple-A just in case something happens if needed here at some point.”
Mendoza confirmed that Kodai Senga’s timeline is now for the second half of the season, saying it’s secure 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, may throw a bullpen Monday or Tuesday.
Saturday’s recreation drew 53,882 at London Stadium — a non-sellout, however a formidable exhibiting by followers nonetheless, based on Harrison Bader.
The stadium’s capability for baseball is listed at 60,000.
“I think these games are a lot of fun to play in, but even more so for the fans,” Bader mentioned. “It’s just been a great experience so far.”
