Mets Rotation Updates Amid Spring Training
PORT ST. LUCIE — Following Ron Darling’s comments suggesting the Mets shift to a five-man rotation instead of accommodating Kodai Chiga’s preference for a six-man setup, Chiga seemed to show promise during live batting practice yesterday.
Manager Carlos Mendoza responded to inquiries about a five-man rotation, stating he’s not currently considering it. “We have six starting pitchers,” he remarked.
Assuming everyone remains injury-free, Chiga is expected to join the starting lineup alongside Freddy Peralta, Clay Holmes, David Peterson, Sean Manaea, and Nolan McLean for the season opener.
Mendoza indicated that Peralta might be the only starter not utilizing the extra day of rest, but he plans to have discussions about the rotation’s strategy moving forward.
Chiga’s next outing will be in a Grapefruit League game, and the team remains optimistic about his performance and intensity thus far this spring.
It’s essential, Mendoza noted, to keep players in shape throughout spring training before finalizing decisions on rotation management.
Last spring, the Mets faced setbacks with Manaea suffering an oblique strain and Frankie Montas dealing with a lat injury.
Currently, the rotation appears to be holding strong, especially as Holmes and McLean prepare to represent Team USA in the World Baseball Classic.
In a recent game, Holmes impressed again with his performance in a 4-3 win over Houston, showcasing an improved cutter in his pitch selection.
He allowed a single run in the fourth inning, having increased his cutter usage to 21 percent from just over 8 percent last season.
Holmes expressed satisfaction with the cutter, noting its potential to enhance the effectiveness of his sinker.
Mendoza echoed those sentiments, suggesting that if Holmes can effectively integrate the pitch into his repertoire, it will significantly benefit his overall performance.
On another note, after Sunday’s game, the Mets announced that right-hander Alex Carrillo would be optioned to Triple-A Syracuse, while left-handers Anderson Severino and Matt Turner were reassigned to minor league camp. This leaves the team with 70 players in major league camp.
Cristian Pache, recognized mainly for his defensive skills in the outfield, has been hitting well this spring, contributing two hits on Sunday.
“He’s an elite defender,” Mendoza commented on Pache. “At the plate, he consistently hits the ball hard up the middle and runs the bases well. It’s exciting to see those results.”
Additionally, St. John’s University announced that during their men’s basketball game against Georgetown at Madison Square Garden, they will honor the memory of Shannon Ford, a longtime Mets media spokesperson and St. John’s alumnus, who passed away from breast cancer a decade ago.
