Mets Conclude West Coast Trip with Victory Over Padres

SAN DIEGO — The Mets have wrapped up their West Coast schedule.

This trip marked the end of four out of five trips to the West to kick off the season, culminating in a 7-3 win against the Padres on Sunday.

During this stretch, they faced teams like the Giants, Dodgers, Angels, Rockies, Diamondbacks, Mariners, and Padres.

In total, the Mets played 22 out of their 65 games in the Pacific and Mountain time zones.

In stark contrast, only seven of their road games were played in the Eastern time zone.

Additionally, they have faced six teams in the Central time zone.

“It’s grueling,” David Peterson commented on the demanding schedule. “I think they need to reconsider how they arrange their games. I mean, we’re in June and haven’t played against Atlanta or Philadelphia; typically, that happens by now.”

Things will shift, starting this Friday, when the Braves come to Citi Field for a three-game set.

On the upcoming road trip, the Mets will meet the Phillies for the first time.

Peterson expressed concern about the challenges of traveling to the West Coast, particularly the lack of days off when crossing time zones.

This was the third time they transitioned from a daytime game in Queens to a night game on the West Coast.

Players often have to take breaks when they travel back from the West to the East.

“One perspective is that we’ve finished all the West Coast swings,” Peterson noted. “But I also feel that the schedule’s balance has diminished in recent years.”

Is there a physical impact from the travel and changing time zones?

“It might be tough, but the players are in good communication with the training staff to manage their sleep, nutrition, and everything else,” coach Carlos Mendoza said. “Going to places like Colorado with the altitude is something we’ve got to consider too. Overall, the players are doing what they need to stay in shape.”

Mendoza is not ready to declare the Mets’ last game in the West just yet.

“The regular season isn’t done,” he said. “We’re trying to stay optimistic here.”