WASHINGTON – It took nearly a month to the season, but manager Carlos Mendoza is finally starting to fill out batting orders that include everyone in the expected opening day lineup.
The return of Francisco Alvarez and Jeff McNeill from the injured list gave the Mets a new look as they opened a four-game series with the Nationals rather than a 5-4 loss.
“I’ve arrived this year, [Alvarez and McNeil] Mendoza said at Nationals Park. “It’s going to be a big part of this team and this lineup,” he said.
Alvarez, who went 4-1 on Friday’s strikeout, was rehabilitating from surgery to remove the broken Hamate bone in his left hand. He returns to his main catching duties, but Mendoza hopes to find an opportunity for Luis Torrence, who rose to be a starter in Alvarez’s absence.
Now 4-4, McNeill plays 2 base and outfield (probably some of that action is in the middle) and kicks rookie Louis Sangeracnya out of normal playtime. Acuña was an offensive, defensive and bright spot for the Mets.
Mendoza was asked if he was worried about disrupting chemistry by inserting two new names into the lineup. The Mets are in the Major Leagues’ top 18-8.
“They make up a large part of this team, even if they weren’t playing, or they were around,” Mendoza said. “And last year they were a big part of this team. That’s what it’s going to take. It takes over 26 guys and here we’re getting two big pieces. [back]. It’s a good group in that clubhouse and they fit in quickly. ”
An oblique tension from spring training, McNeill was scheduled to play his first regular season game since last season on September 6th.
He missed most of the last month last year and rehabilitated from his broken wrist after hitting the pitch. McNeill is back for the NLCS against the Dodgers.
“It feels like day one for me,” McNeill said. “We’re playing well. I’m going to do what I can to help these guys win.”
That includes plays from center field. This is the position he was used in his minor league rehabilitation assignment. Tyrone Taylor plays center for the Mets every day, with Jose Ciri on the sidelines with his broken left tibia, while Mendoza is trying to get others involved.
“I enjoyed it,” McNeill said. “I play a lot of positions and take a lot of pride in being so versatile. Wherever my team needs me.”
Alvarez was working on a new swing in spring training, but the Mets only received a small sample size of it in the exhibit game before the injury.
“When I was in rehabilitation, I was trying to do a lot of things on my swing and feel right,” Alvarez said through an interpreter. “When I wasn’t shaking, I was doing a lot about my mentality, what I wanted to do, and now I feel really good.”
Mendoza said his goal is also to get Torrence involved as much as possible.
“They’re going to play both,” Mendoza said. “[Torrens] He played really well for us and he got the opportunity. We’re going to get Albie back and he’s going to get the opportunity as well. I think that’s a good problem, but I was able to see them both playing. ”
Mendoza also hopes to find a spot for Acuña to play.
“We’ll find a way to keep Aknya sharp and hit him,” Mendoza said.
