MMO Game Thread: Astros vs Mets, 1:10 P.M.
Photo by Ed Delany of Metsmerized
Wednesday, March 22, 2023 • 1:10 PM
Clover Park • Port St. Lucie, Florida
RHP Jairo Solis (0-0, 0.00) vs. Kodai Senga (1-1, 3.60)
SNY
For the first time since March 15th,the Mets will have a weekday spring training game during the traditional early afternoon time. It’s also the first time in a while that the Mets feel whole again. The Mets sent a large contingent of players to probably the most exciting World Baseball Classic tournament ever for the better part of this month. With the tournament’s tremendous conclusion last night with Japan holding on to a 3-2 win over USA to win the tournament, there’s only one thing to focus on now – Opening Day.
The Mets also got some promising news on the day off yesterday. Brandon Nimmo tried out his ankle and knee in various exercises and he is trending towards being available for Opening Day. The positive news was welcomed after what the Mets endured last week.
Mets Lineup
Senga Day! pic.twitter.com/ituJd3NMcu
— Metsmerized Online (@Metsmerized) March 22, 2023
Astros Lineup
Rylan Bannon gets start at second against the Mets pic.twitter.com/7U19gvlym7
— Brian McTaggart (@brianmctaggart) March 22, 2023
Game Notes
The Mets officially sent down their top prospect, Francisco Álvarez, on Wednesday, ensuring he will start the season in Triple-A Syracuse. Álvarez hasn’t had a great spring at the dish the Mets appear to be set with Omar Narváez and Tomás Nido behind the plate to start the season. However, it would be surprising if we don’t see Álvarez back at the big-league lever sooner rather than later.
If Nimmo is healthy enough for Opening Day, the Mets will only have one real decision to make with their roster in terms of position players, assuming they will carry 13 pitchers. Luis Guillorme, Nido, and Tommy Pham are guaranteed bench spots. Darin Ruf is the most likely candidate for the team’s final bench/DH piece, but his role is not-yet guaranteed. Mark Vientos still hovers as an option, while, if the team wanted to truly make a splash, they could keep Brett Baty on the Opening Day roster. Another possible candidate is Tim Locastro, who has had an excellent spring, but likely doesn’t have a realistic path unless there is an injury to one of the Mets four outfielders.
Three Things To Watch For
- From the Stands to the Mound: Kodai Senga was in the crowd during Japan’s walk-off win against Mexico earlier this week, and returns to the mound for the Mets today! In two starts so far this spring, he has pitched five innings and allowed two runs from four hits,(including one home run), while walking two and striking out seven. Most likely, Senga will have one more tune up start after today to get ready for the regular season.
- Francisco Lindor: Francisco Lindor was on fire in the World Baseball Classic with a .450 batting average and a .500 on base percentage. Lindor was also having a tremendous spring before the classic, going 7-18 at the plate with two homers. He picked up right where he left on Monday, his first game back in the Mets lineup, going 1-3. The Mets have a superstar at shortstop, and the league better watch out if he brings this level of play into regular season games next week.
- Stealing Bases: Starling Marte got the start yesterday and stole his second base of spring. Last season, he stole 18 bags and was caught nine times. However, between the bases being larger and the pitch clock, we wonder how many additional bases Marte will steal this upcoming season. In addition to stolen bases, Marte is having a tremendous spring hitting .353/.368/.588 over 19 plate appearances.
Let’s go Mets!
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