Mets Battle in Close Game Against Nationals
Carlos Mendoza didn’t think about using Edwin Diaz on Saturday, even though his pitch count was low.
The Mets managed just seven pitches in a scoreless 10th inning, but they didn’t get the opportunity to do more in the 11th either.
Instead, Tyler Rodgers took the mound and gave up Dalen’s Lyle’s two-run home run, leading to a 5-3 defeat against the Nationals at Citifield.
“He pitched a couple nights ago and, well, it was heating up yesterday,” Mendoza explained. “We’re just planning to use him for one inning today.”
Rodgers had a decent outing, allowing only one run over the past seven and two-thirds innings.
But after getting Andre Chaparo out with a groundout to start the inning, Lille sent a 2-2 fastball over the center-field wall.
Tyrone Taylor mentioned that his injured left hamstring feels completely healed, and he might return as early as next week.
He plans to play in another minor league game for Triple-A Syracuse on Sunday, eyeing an activation before the Tuesday game against the Cubs in Chicago.
In a recent appearance at Syracuse, he played six innings in center field and went 4-for-1 at the plate with an RBI.
Despite his absence, elite defender Taylor was hitting well before injuring his hamstring. Meanwhile, veteran players Cedric Mullins and Jose Ciri are struggling in his absence. Taylor officially landed on the injured list on September 2, retroactive to August 30.
“It’s bad timing, for sure,” Taylor remarked. “But it is what it is. I’m just focusing on preparing and getting back as soon as I can.”
In another move, the Mets signed left-hander Richard Lovelady to the Major League roster and designated Wonder Suero for assignment.
Lovelady has appeared in six games for the Mets this season, giving up six runs in six and two-thirds innings. Mendoza stated Lovelady was brought in partly due to the Nationals’ strong left-handed hitters and to support southpaws Brooks Laurie and Gregory Soto. He pitched a scoreless inning of relief on Saturday.
No decisions have been made yet regarding right-handed pitchers Tyler Megill and Reed Garrett, according to Mendoza. Megill is dealing with a sprained UCL ligament and is looking for a face-to-face consultation with a doctor in Los Angeles; Tommy John surgery remains a possibility. Garrett, on the other hand, has tense ligaments in his elbow and is seeking various opinions from doctors on how to move forward.
The Orioles have claimed Dom Hamel off waivers from the Mets after he made his big league debut. The 26-year-old right-hander has been assigned to Triple-A Norfolk.
