The Mets closer needs to step it up as Opening Day draws near, and we now know when he’ll be playing this spring.
Manager Carlos Mendoza announced following the team’s victory over the Cardinals on Tuesday that Diaz will start in the pitcher’s dugout for the Miami Marlins on Wednesday in Jupiter, Florida.
Diaz will play against a different squad for the third time on Wednesday. Diaz has thrown two flawless innings and struck out three batters in his past two outings. Moreover, he only threw 24 pitches. Diaz threw a pitch on Sunday.
Mendoza also disclosed that Wednesday’s game will be started by Christian Scott. The 24-year-old righty’s first start of the spring will come from this appearance.
On March 2, Scott made his return appearance and allowed one run on one hit and one walk.
Alvarez’s offensive prowess is well-known, but his catching abilities are equally important.
Alvarez has allowed four runners to steal a base on him in 12 games (69 innings) this spring. He has also caught eight hitters stealing, including one on Tuesday. According to MLB.com’s Anthony DiComo, he has been caught stealing three more times than any other major league catcher this spring with eight.
Mendoza praised Alvarez’s defense, saying, “He’s a really good receiver but he’s got a cannon and he’s continued to do better.” “The agility and precision with which the ball can be delivered to second base. So far, he’s playing pretty well behind the plate.
Manaea delivered another excellent spring performance on Tuesday. He struck out six batters in five innings while giving up one run on four hits and one walk.
Mendoza stated that what most amazed him about Manaea was his ability to continue innings even when the defense failed to support him or he was not getting strikeouts. But Manea’s feelings about his pitches were the thing that most stuck out to him following his debut.
We’re in a truly fantastic position. “After Tuesday’s game, I felt the best pitch I have felt since spring training,” Manaea remarked. It’s extremely heartening to hear that everything is going well. We’re in a strong position for the opening series if we just keep doing that and keep building up.”
Three springtimes later, Manaea
Against the Yankees on Monday, he will probably make his final and next spring start.
