Before the Mets take on the Houston Astros on Wednesday, manager Carlos Mendoza spoke briefly on a couple of topics, including what the plan is for Edwin Diaz this week and the health of some of his injured players.
Diaz to pitch back-to-back
It's been a bumpy spring so far for the Mets closer who owns a 7.71 ERA and 2.57 WHIP in 2.1 innings across three appearances so far in Grapefruit League action. In those outings, Diaz has combined to throw 64 pitches (36 strikes) while striking out four and walking three.
While those numbers seem unsightly, it's still a small sample size for a pitcher coming into the middle innings of exhibition games who is used to closing out games that actually count. And after a rough outing in his spring training debut, Diaz has pitched two scoreless innings in his last two appearances.
Less concerned about the results, the next thing Mendoza and the Mets want from Diaz is to throw on back-to-back days which he will at some point this week, Mendoza said on Wednesday. Although, it won't necessarily come in spring training action — something New York also plans to do for some other pitchers scheduled to go back-to-back this week.
"It’s probably not gonna be back-to-back in our games," the skipper said. "So if he’s pitching today it may be the next day for a hitter in a minor league game where it’s more of a controlled environment."
As for what he's seen from his 30-year-old closer so far in camp, Mendoza isn't worried.
"The first couple [he] was inconsistent with his mechanics and we saw it with some of the walks," he said. "But I was very encouraged with his last outing in the minor leagues where he attacked better, the velo was better.
"Look it’s spring training games, these guys are so used to that getting the last three outs [with] the adrenaline. It’s different. It’s something that’s hard to replicate here in spring training, but as long as he’s feeling good and bouncing back well, there’s no issues there."
Sean Manaea and Jesse Winker injury updates
With a lot of injuries sustained before Opening Day, the Mets got some positive news on the injury front regarding Manaea and Winker.
Regarding Manaea (right oblique strain), Mendoza told reporters that the left-hander is continuing his throwing progression and is up to 90 feet. New York's ace last season, Manaea figures to be out until mid-to-late April but appears to be progressing well with his rehab.
The Mets also got good news surrounding Winker who left Monday's game with cramps in his calf, but appears to be fine.
"I talked to him today, he was feeling good," Mendoza said. "He was gonna go through his workout, I gotta talk to the trainers in a little bit to make sure he’s okay and hopefully he’s playing, whether it’s the night game with us or maybe some at-bats in the minor leagues. I’m anticipating him getting some at-bats tomorrow."
Mendoza also mentioned that Dedniel Nuñez and Jose Butto are feeling good after throwing on Tuesday.
