As unfortunate as it was that both a player and a coach tested positive for COVID-19, it gives the New York Mets a bit of a break which they could use to their advantage. The Mets Thursday night game vs the Miami Marlins was postponed. Additionally, the entire three-game weekend series vs the New York Yankees has been postponed.
The Mets got off to a rough start and have been trying to climb the standings all summer. They have had to deal with injuries, opt-outs, and now a positive test. Despite winning their last three games, there are plenty of areas that New York can benefit from the extended break.
Starting Pitching
It has been no secret that the New York Mets starting rotation is in flames. Other than Jacob deGrom, who had to miss a start, there are questions throughout the rotation. Manager Luis Rojas was left with putting their best relief pitcher Seth Lugo into the rotation after injuries to Noah Syndergaard, Michael Wacha, David Peterson, and the opt-out of Marcus Stroman.
Assuming they resume on Monday with a rescheduled game against the Yankees, they can throw their ace in deGrom. It would also mean the reigning two-time Cy Young award winner would face the Yankees in the Bronx next Saturday in his next start.
It will also give the Mets the ability to reshuffle their rotation. With Robert Gsellman being stretched out slowly and Corey Oswalt starting the following day, it leaves New York of possibly having back-to-back bullpen games.
Rick Porcello hasn’t been terrific, but he is the lone pitcher to get deep into games and remain healthy. The break also could benefit Steven Matz as the left-hander has struggled this season. They can give him some time off and will have the opportunity to skip his start and work him back into the rotation with matchups they feel he can succeed in.
Recover From Injuries
It seemed like Wacha was nearing a return, and these off days can help. The Mets hope they could get Wacha and Peterson back once they continue playing. This will likely mean they won’t have to move Lugo to the rotation from the bullpen. With Edwin Diaz losing his job, Lugo has pitched pretty well in his chances to close. The Mets have remained stern that they wanted Lugo to pitch in the bullpen. But they had to break that after all the injuries.
Also, Jeff McNeil will have the chance to rest. Despite coming back and being the DH on Monday, the former all-star struggled offensively before suffering a scary knee injury with his catch against the wall.
For players like Wilson Ramos and Robinson Cano, the break will give them some rest. Even though Ramos has struggled and Cano has been red-hot, both veterans can benefit from time off with so many games in a short period of time.
Moving Forward
The Mets next scheduled game is Tuesday as New York starts a three-game series at home with the Marlins. There is a chance if the Mets can test negative, they will make up two of the three games with the Yankees on Monday. Both New York teams are off.
With a completely decimated Yankee lineup due to injury, the doubleheader could potentially help the Mets. Both games would be two seven-inning games with their best pitcher on the mound potentially in one of the games.
The schedule though will start to get tough as the Mets will play the top teams in the AL East. If they are unable to reschedule all their games, the Mets win percentage will come into play to see if they make the playoffs at the end of the season.
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