Mendoza outlines maintenance of Mets' five-member pitching staff - momentarily
The New York Mets have made several adjustments to their rotation and lineup, with a focus on managing their starters' workload and finding ways to get the most out of their key players.
In a move that highlights this approach, Francisco Alvarez returned to the lineup on Saturday after being removed due to a foul tip to the helmet. Meanwhile, Carlos Mendoza, the Mets' pitching coach, announced that the team will use a five-man rotation for the next schedule, starting with David Peterson on Wednesday.
The Mets' strategy for managing their pitchers is multifaceted. They consider factors such as recent performance, injury history, pitch counts, and strategic bullpen usage. For instance, the team has debated whether to use Clay Holmes as a traditional starter with pitch count limits or as a bulk innings guy preceded by an opener. This strategy is aimed at managing Holmes' workload and maintaining his effectiveness.
However, the Mets' rotation plans are not set in stone. They are adjusted dynamically based on pitcher health and effectiveness. For example, Frankie Montas, after returning from injury and struggling, is being carefully managed with potential opener usage to protect him early in starts and preserve his stamina.
Tyrone Taylor, who has been struggling with an 0-for-18 streak, expressed a desire to find ways to contribute even in a smaller role. Taylor's OPS in his previous 68 games is .467, a significant drop from his initial form this season. Interestingly, Taylor has struggled more against right-handers and worse against lefties this season.
In a game where Taylor was left on the bench, Cedric Mullins made his first start for the Mets in a game that ended in a 12-6 win, after being acquired from the Orioles at the trade deadline. Mullins' debut was successful, but Taylor will undoubtedly be eager to return to the field and contribute.
David Peterson, who has pitched more innings this season than any other season in his MLB career, believes his shaky numbers on regular rest could be due to two poor outings, with the other being fine. Peterson expressed that he is "good with either" setup, as long as he's given enough time to prepare.
The Mets designated Rico Garcia for assignment following the game on Saturday. The team will continue to monitor the health and performance of their starters to find the best balance between effectiveness and durability.
Despite his current struggles, Taylor remains thankful to be in the big leagues. With the Mets' focus on workload management and strategic lineup decisions, Taylor may soon find his way back into the starting lineup, ready to contribute to the team's success.
Tyrone Taylor, in search of contributing to the team's success, may find an opportunity within the Mets' lineup, given their focus on managing workloads and strategic decisions in sports, such as baseball during the upcoming games in the MLB. Meanwhile, David Peterson, with his increased workload this season in MLB, will continue to find ways to compensate for his shaky numbers on regular rest, adhering to the Mets' approach of managing their pitchers' workload effectively.