Philadelphia Update
The Mets faced a tough night on the field, losing 11-3, marking their fifth consecutive defeat. Manager Carlos Mendoza pinpointed the starting pitching as the main issue, especially after Clay Holmes had a rough outing, allowing two unusual runs in the first inning. This followed Sean Manaea’s struggles earlier in the week, where he gave up four runs within the first two innings. “I think some rotation guys are in a rough patch,” Mendoza remarked, pointing to the cascading effects it has on both pitching and hitting. “When you’re consistently playing and not getting length, it impacts everything.”
Such challenges make the upcoming decisions on how to utilize Holmes and Manaea all the more intriguing. David Stearns, a team executive, mentioned discussions about “piggybacking” starters. This approach—one pitcher going a few innings before passing the baton—could be useful, given their difficulties extending games. “We’re relying on them… we need those guys,” Mendoza noted, but it remains uncertain how they’ll be deployed moving forward. The rotation is set until Sunday before an off day, which Mendoza plans to use for reevaluating their strategy.
Holmes’ struggles started early during a 29-pitch first inning without any hard-hit balls. A light single from Harrison Bader, a walk from Kyle Schwarber, and an errant pitch that hit Bryce Harper all contributed before J.T. Realmuto’s bloop hit added to the score. After a strikeout, another wild pitch forced in a run. “At that point, we’re playing from behind,” Holmes said, who currently holds a 3.75 ERA in his first year as a starter. “These games are crucial; we can’t afford mistakes.” Unfortunately for Holmes, his night ended after giving up a single and a double that scored more runs in the fourth inning.
Mendoza attempted to be proactive with a rested bullpen, but they ultimately couldn’t keep the score close after Holmes exited. “It’s about finishing outings,” he said, though the club will need to decide how much longer to stick with their current approach.
In other updates, Tylor Megill’s rehab stint with Triple-A Syracuse hit a snag due to recurring elbow pain. He’s now seeking multiple medical opinions. Megill reported similar tightness in his off-speed pitches, reminiscent of issues from mid-June when inflammation was found in an MRI. Mendoza indicated he hasn’t heard anything about the possibility of Tommy John surgery and will wait for final assessments. “We hope to have information soon,” he remarked.
Mark Vientos occupied the third spot in the lineup for the first time this season, flanked by Juan Soto and Pete Alonso. Unfortunately, he went 0-for-3 but had been seeing great success prior, with a 1.144 OPS and a .304 average since mid-August.
In a nod to managing player fatigue during a stretch of games against opposing left-handers, Mendoza rested Jeff McNeil, allowing Luisangel Acuña to play second base.
Jose Siri started again in center field, striking out in both plate appearances, while Cedric Mullins, expected to play more frequently against righties, managed a walk and a single after being brought in late in the game.
Mendoza confirmed Jesse Winker will miss the remainder of the season due to back issues that halted his rehab assignments, stating the team is exploring next steps. Also, Frankie Montas has recently undergone Tommy John surgery and had bone chips removed.
