Washington – He took almost a month in the season, but the manager Carlos Mendoza was finally able to complete a batting order on Friday that included all of the projected alignment of the opening day.
The return of Francisco Álvarez and Jeff McNeil of the list of injured gave the METs a new appearance, since they opened a series of four games against the nationals, although they were not successful with a loss of 5-4.
“Upon entering this year, [Alvarez and McNeil] We were going to be a large part of this team and this alignment, “Mendoza said in the National Park.” Here they are healthy and ready to start. “
Álvarez, who was 1 by 4 with a Friday punch, was rehabilitating surgery to eliminate a broken hyamate bone in his left hand. He will return to primary capture tasks, but Mendoza hopes to find opportunities for Luis Torrens, who shone as a starter in the absence of Álvarez.
McNeil, who also left 1 by 4, will play the second base and the garden (possible with part of that action in the center), displacing the rookie Luisangel Acuña of the regular game time. Acuña has been a brilliant point for offensive, defensive and bases in the bases.
He asked Mendoza if he was worried about interrupting chemistry: the Mets are the best 18-8 by 18-8 for inserting two new names into the alignment.
“They are a large part of this team, even when they continue playing, they were close,” Mendoza said. “And last year they are a large part of this team. That is what will be needed: it will take more than 26 boys and here we are obtaining two of the largest pieces. [back]. That is a good group in that club house and they will fit well. “
McNeil, who tightened an oblique in spring training, was ready to play his first regular season game since September 6 or last season.
Most of the last month was lost last year Rehabbbing from a broken doll after it was hit by a release. McNeil returned to NLC against the Dodgers.
“It feels like the opening day for me,” McNeil said. “We are playing well and I’m going to do what I can to help these boys win.”
This power includes playing the central field, a position in which its minor leagues rehabilitation was used false. Tyrone Taylor has been playing in the center every day for the Mets with José Siri marginalized by a broken left luke, but Mendoza is looking to involve others.
“I enjoyed it,” said McNeil, when he was asked about playing the center in his rehabilitation task. “I am very proud to play many positions and the very versatile bee. Where the team needs me.”
Álvarez was working on a new swing in spring training, but the METS received only a small sample size in the exhibition games before their injury.
“When I was doing my rehabilitation, I was working hard on my swing to try to feel good,” Álvarez said through an interpreter. “When I was swinging, I was working hard on my mentality, what I wanted to do. And now I feel really good.”
Mendoza said his goal is also to keep Torrens as involved as possible.
“Both are going to play,” said Mendoza. “[Torrens] He played very well for us and got that opportunity. We are recovering Alvy and he will also have a chance. I think it’s a good problem, but I could see both playing. “
Mendoza also anticipates finding places to play.
“We will find ways to keep Acuña sharp and get some shifts to bat,” Mendoza said.