The Mets topped 100 wins for the first time in more than three decades. New York couldn’t hold off the scorching hot Braves down the stretch, however. Atlanta claimed the NL East title, sending the Mets to the Wild Card series against the Padres. Disappointing end to the regular season aside, New York will have home-field advantage for all three games and the ability to turn to two of the sport’s top arms in the short series.
Right-Handed Pitchers
- Chris Bassitt
- Jacob deGrom
- Edwin Diaz
- Mychal Givens
- Seth Lugo
- Trevor May
- Tylor Megill
- Adam Ottavino
- Max Scherzer (Game 1 starter)
- Drew Smith
Left-Handed Pitchers
Catchers
Infielders
Outfielders
The biggest news for New York is that Marte is back on the active roster. The All-Star outfielder has been out for a month since suffering a non-displaced fracture in his right middle finger. While he’d continued to battle soreness as recently as this week, he’s evidently capable of getting back on the diamond. Marte will be in the starting lineup tonight against Yu Darvish, hitting sixth while playing right field.
The Mets also carry Alvarez, their top catching prospect who made his big league debut last week. He and veteran corner outfielder/first baseman Ruf are right-handed options off the bench for skipper Buck Showalter. Fellow righty bat Mark Vientos is left off the roster, as is the lefty-swinging Tyler Naquin. Naquin was acquired from the Reds at the deadline to add some balance to the Mets outfield, but he has just a .203/.246/.390 line since landing in Queens. The Mets will opt for a speed and defense oriented player in Gore to round out the outfield instead.
New York’s pitching plans are also sure to be the focus of some debate. The club has yet to announce a Game 2 starter, only noting that deGrom and Bassitt are lined up for the next two outings in some capacity. Showalter confirmed the Mets will turn to deGrom tomorrow if they lose tonight but hold him in reserve for a potential Game 3 if they win today (via Anthony DiComo of MLB.com). In an ideal world for the Mets, they’d pull off a sweep with Scherzer and Bassitt on the hill, leaving deGrom to take Game 1 of a Division Series match-up with the Dodgers.
Carlos Carrasco and Taijuan Walker aren’t active, as the Mets elected to go with a number of traditional relievers while not carrying their fourth/fifth starters for this three-game set. At least one of Carrasco and Walker would presumably be activated for the Division Series if the Mets advance.
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