ATLANTA — Luis Severino is thrilled he didn't have to pitch Monday.
“That would have been bad for us,” Severino said. “I'm not saying it was the worst-case scenario for us. There was no question we were going to go out there and win the second game, but it would have been tough not knowing who was going to win.” promote [playoff games]”
The right-handed pitcher was selected as the Mets' starter for the nightcap doubleheader against the Braves.
However, after the team won Game 1 8-7 and qualified for the postseason, he was allowed to focus on pitching for Game 1 of the National League Wild Card Series.
Coach Carlos Mendoza hasn't announced his rotation for the game against the Brewers, but he could rest Severino completely and start Sean Manaea and Jose Quintana behind him (both of whom are normally rested).
Severino, 30, has been a mainstay this season, starting 31 games and pitching 182 innings with a 3.91 ERA.
The Mets signed Severino to a one-year contract worth $13 million last winter, and the money was money well spent.
Severino last played against the Brewers in the opening week of the season at Citi Field, making his first start in a Mets uniform.
“That probably wasn't my best,” Severino said of his performance, which allowed six runs in five innings, three of which were earned. “My sweeper wasn't my sweeper. I missed a lot of pitches.”
Severino started the game by allowing a two-run homer to Mets rival Reece Hoskins.
“I will do everything in my power to prevent something like this from happening again,” Severino said.
This will be the 11th postseason start for Severino, who had a 1-4 record with a 5.15 ERA in the 10-game postseason series against the Yankees.
His last playoff start was in the 2022 ALCS against the Astros, a loss he allowed three earned runs in 5 1/3 innings.
What will it mean for Severino to have the ball in his hands in Game 1?
“This means I was healthy all year and healthy enough to play in the playoffs,” Severino said. “Hopefully we can give this team a chance to win and be ready to play any team next time.”
