PHILADELPHIA — The Mets are complaining about two of the best arms in their bullpen on Opening Day.
Coach Carlos Mendoza said Drew Smith, who was scheduled to return on Tuesday and then Wednesday, “fell a little bit of a setback,” while Brooks Lally was diagnosed with a strained UCL and put off a decision on surgery. ing.
First up: Smith: The right-hander, who was on the disabled list retroactively to April 24 with a sore right shoulder, played catch before Tuesday’s loss and reported a “pinch” in the back of his shoulder. .
Mr. Smith’s previous problem was felt in the front of his shoulder.
“I don’t think it’s anything serious,” Mendoza said before the Mets’ 10-5 loss to the Phillies at Citizens Bank Park.
Smith did not pitch Wednesday but is expected to start throwing again Thursday.
“We don’t expect this to be a long setback,” Mendoza said, adding that the club felt there was no problem, but that Smith’s shoulder required further testing.
Meanwhile, Larry visited Dr. Keith Meister in Texas on Tuesday and learned he had the UCL strain, but was “on the path to healing,” Mendoza said.
UCL injuries often require surgery, a risky proposition for the left-hander who turns 36 next month, but Reilly wants to give his throwing elbow a chance to heal on its own.
Mendoza said the plan is for Larry to be banned from pitching for two weeks and then “we’ll see how things go.”
Asked about his optimism that surgery could be avoided, Mendoza said: “I don’t know.” “It’s hard for me to sit here and speculate.”
After revamping their roster, the Mets also revamped their starting lineup.
Pete Alonso batted No. 2 for the first time all season, behind Brandon Nimmo and ahead of Francisco Lindor.
J.D. Martinez cleaned up, Mark Vientos hit No. 5, and Starling Marte, normally the No. 2 batter, moved up to No. 6.
“I’m just trying to start something,” Mendoza said. “I like Pete’s recent at-bats. …But I like Marte’s versatility.”
Mendoza said Jeff McNeil, who was briefly on the ground after being hit by a pitch to his left knee in the sixth inning, is OK.
“But he was fine, he’s fine,” Mendoza added.
Adrian Houser made his second appearance out of the bullpen, allowing three runs (only one earned) over the final two innings.
