PORT STREET SEA — Sean Manaea’s new quick throw with a runner on first base may have fooled even the umpires Monday.
Roderick Arias was given a double for a balk in the third inning of the Mets’ 0-3 game against the Yankees at Steinbrenner Field.
The ruling was that Manaea, a left-hander, did not stop before throwing the ball to Benjamin Cowles.
During a lengthy discussion, manager Carlos Mendoza asked umpire Vic Carapazza for an explanation.
“That’s one of them. [Manaea] I just started doing it in spring training. [the umpires] They’re not used to that movement,” Mendoza said. “It was a first for them, but after a few minutes they came up to me and said they were going to look into it because it was part of his move. But it was his mission. We have to let people know that it is and should be a part of it.”
Manaea said he used this move in college and started using it again this spring.
Overall, he pitched five innings, allowing two earned runs on five hits and seven strikeouts, finishing the Grapefruit League with a 3.24 ERA.
He is scheduled to pitch next Monday against the Tigers at Citi Field.
Team leadership is still evaluating the final roster spots for the opening day roster.
DJ Stewart was headed north with the club, but a roster spot was not guaranteed as the Mets consider other options that may be available now that camp is over.
Three pitchers are competing for two spots in the bullpen: Michael Tonkin, Johan Ramirez, and Sean Reid-Foley.
Adrian Houser remained in Florida and was scheduled to pitch in a minor league game on Tuesday while the Mets returned home to New York.
Hauser is scheduled to pitch in the Mets’ fifth game of the season, against the Tigers on April 2nd.
The Mets have unveiled a patch to be worn on their uniforms this season in memory of Buddy Harrelson, who passed away in January at the age of 79 after a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease.
The word “Buddy” and uniform number (3) are written on the patch.
Harrelson was the shortstop on the Mets’ first World Series winning team in 1969.
The Mets have Tuesday off and are scheduled to practice the next day ahead of Thursday’s opener against the Brewers at Citi Field.
Mendoza is well aware that rain is in the forecast.
“It’s too early, but we’re keeping an eye on it,” Mendoza said.
