MMO Game Thread: Mets vs. Nationals, 1:05 PM

The Mets have fallen to three games below .500 in games that don’t matter as they face the Nationals today in a game that really won’t matter from a starting pitcher perspective. As we’ve discussed each of the last two game previews, the Mets are starting to hide their regulars from the Nationals/Marlins thus Jeurys Familia and Justin Wilson will be pitching in the “B” game today.

This means the remaining pitchers fighting for the last roster spot, plus some pitchers already assigned to minor league game will get more work today and some late spring exposure.

Mets Lineup

1. Brandon Nimmo (LF)
2. Pete Alonso (1B)
3. Robinson Cano (2B)
4. Michael Conforto (RF)
5. Dominic Smith (DH)
6. Jeff McNeil (3B)
7. Amed Rosario (SS)
8. Devin Mesoraco (C)
9. Keon Broxton (CF)

Starting Pitcher: Hector Santiago

Things To Watch Out For:

1. Hector Santiago gets an opportunity to show the team where he belongs on the depth chart. The Newark native has pitched six innings in major league games in Spring Training over four games allowing one run from four hits and a walk while striking out an outstanding 11 batters. Let’s see what he can do when he’s not limited to one or two innings of work.
2. Ryan O’Rourke is the only other lefty available for the Mets today. In six games and 6.1 innings this spring he has allowed two runs off seven hits and four walks while striking out eight. As a result, he has an ERA of 2.84 and an ugly WHIP at 1.737.
3. Robinson Cano had a great day at the plate yesterday and now in 37 PA’s this spring, he’s hitting .457/.486/.686.
4. Michael Conforto has had a bit of a slow spring but hit his second spring homer yesterday changing his hitting line to .244/.292/.400 in 48 PAs.
5. Today marks another game where Smith and Alonso, who are both competing for the same spot, are in the same starting lineup. Smith as the DH has hit .400/.462/.543 in 40 PA’s and Alonso the first basemen has hit .356/.396/.644 in 48 PA’s.

Let’s Go Mets!

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