MILWAUKEE — Brett Batty is ready if the Mets need him, but otherwise content to play the role of cheerleader in the postseason.
The third baseman, a member of the taxi squad, is traveling with the team and was set to celebrate Monday's postseason victory in Atlanta.
However, Batty was not added to the Wild Card Series roster.
The roster could change after each postseason round, and Batty could remain in play if the Mets advance to the Division Series.
The Mets lost Game 2 to the Brewers 5-3 on Wednesday, leaving the three-game series tied 1-1.
“It certainly means a lot to be able to come back here and put myself in a place where I might be able to make an impact,” Batty said. “I’m really proud of them and the work they accomplished this year.”
Batty started the season as the Mets' starting third baseman, but after early struggles, the team recalled Mark Vientos, who had a breakout year at the position.
Batty returned to Triple-A Syracuse and posted an .854 OPS in 62 games.
Batty was a candidate for a recall on September 1st, but in late August he was hit by a pitch and broke his left index finger.
It was initially thought Batty would miss the remainder of the season, but he returned in the final week of the season for Syracuse.
“They presented it to me and said if I push myself, maybe they'll give me an opportunity to help run the postseason,” Batty said. “I was all for it. I just pushed, I responded well, and now I'm here.”
Coach Carlos Mendoza said he hasn't been checking on Francisco Lindor's back as much as last week, when he was sidelined and working toward his return.
“We just have to keep it going,” Mendoza said. “The trainers are doing a really great job. He’s doing a great job, investing his time there and making sure he does whatever he needs to do for us and doing that. is running.”
Francisco Alvarez had a rough series against the Brewers last weekend, stealing multiple bases (he went 5-for-5 against the Brewers last Friday).
However, the Brewers did not attempt a steal in Game 1 of this series. On Wednesday, Alvarez singled out Garrett Mitchell to second base on the Brewers' only stolen base attempt of the night.
The Mets catcher was asked before the game if he had the key to controlling the Brewers on the bases.
“I really think the key is the pitchers. They have to be a little faster,” Alvarez said. “They have to change the tempo on every pitch and make it uncomfortable on the bases.”
