What were the factors behind Carlos Mendoza’s decision to start Tyrone Taylor over Jose Siri?
How did Tylor Megill perform in his start against the Astros, and what was Mendoza’s assessment of his game?
What are the implications of the injuries in the Mets’ starting rotation for their season moving forward?
What message did Mendoza convey to Brett Baty regarding his performance and role on the team?
How did Jose Siri’s spring training performance influence expectations for his role in the early part of the season?
After their rally fell short on Opening Day, the Mets came back with an impressive 3-1 win over the Astros in Houston on Friday night. Manager Carlos Mendoza had a few things to talk about before and after the game, including his starting rotation, Brett Baty and when we’ll see outfielder Jose Siri in a game.
Why Tyrone Taylor get the start over Jose Siri on Friday
One of the notable acquisitions for the Mets this offseason was the trade for outfielder Jose Siri. The right-hander has a great glove and some sneaky pop, but he has not appeared in the first two games of the 2025 season.
Mendoza was asked about why he started Taylor against starter Hunter Brown on Friday and
"Hunter Brown, there’s velo, there’s the sinker, cutter, it’s more of that," Mendoza explained. "There’s a good chance Siri plays tomorrow."
Taylor went 0-for-4 with two strikeouts on Friday and has started the season 1-for-8.
A media member asked the Mets skipper if Siri will sit against the team’s best pitchers, which Mendoza answered plainly.
"It’s the big leagues you’re facing the best of the best every day. Siri is going to get a lot of opportunities. First two games of the season, and he’s not there. He’s going to play a lot."
Siri had a solid spring with impressive numbers coming from the power department. In 16 games, Siri hit three home runs while driving in 11 runs.
The Mets will take on right-handed pitcher Spencer Arrighetti on Saturday, so we'll see if Siri is in the lineup.
Confidence in starting rotation to start season?
The Mets, like many other teams, saw many injuries this spring. For New York, their starting rotation took huge hits when Sean Manaea and Frankie Montas went down.
They got more injury news when Paul Blackburn had to start the season on the IL with a knee issue, something that is seemingly close to clearing up. Those injuries have left Mendoza to roll out a rotation that includes Friday’s starter Tylor Megill amongst other question marks like reliever-turned-starter Clay Holmes and Kodai Senga, who hasn't pitched many innings in two years.
Despite that, Mendoza is confident in his rotation.
"We feel really good about it," he said. "We got the guys in there, they’re going to give a chance to win baseball games game in and game out. We feel good with that."
Holmes was solid yet erratic on Opening Day, but Megill proved his skipper’s confidence right. The big left-hander was solid, allowing just one run on three hits and one walk across five innings while striking out six.
"I thought he was really good," Mendoza said after Friday’s game. "Early on he was attacking. They hit some balls hard but that's what we're asking him to do, throw strikes and stay on the attack. When they scored that run I thought he kept making pitches. He settled in nicely and limited the damage, which is something we also want to see… I thought overall, he threw the ball really well."
Message to Brett Baty
Baty made his first start of the season Friday at second base. While he went hitless in his two at-bats — before being pulled for Luisangel Acuna for defense — it was still a good outing for the young infielder.
It was a pivotal game for Baty who is looking to solidify himself as a major leaguer after a couple of underperforming seasons. Mendoza has dealt with young infielders like this just last season. When Baty was demoted a year ago, Mark Vientos came up and took the third base job. The Mets skipper, and the rest of the organization, reassured Vientos of his role, and they are doing the same for Baty.
"[I told him] Be yourself. Same thing you’re doing here [in spring training], just continue to be yourself," Mendoza said. "Don’t feel like you have to get three, four hits to be in the lineup the next day. Trust the work. We saw results in spring training. Now it’s up to him."
Mendoza raved about Baty’s advances at second. The improvements in his communication from pitch to pitch and his range, which he has shown in spring.
With a right-hander on the mound for Houston on Saturday, Baty is likely to start at second again.
Mets Notes: When Jose Siri Could Start, Confidence in Starting Rotation Despite Injuries
As the New York Mets navigate through the ups and downs of the 2023 MLB season, a few intriguing narratives are developing around the team. From the prospects of Jose Siri stepping into an expanded role to the resilience of the Mets’ starting rotation amid injuries, there’s plenty to discuss as the team aims to solidify its place in a highly competitive National League.
The Jose Siri Situation
Jose Siri, a dynamic outfielder known for his speed and defensive prowess, is quickly becoming a focal point for the Mets as they look to bolster their lineup. After being acquired during the offseason, Siri’s versatility has made him an appealing option for manager Buck Showalter. While he has had limited playing time so far, his impressive performance in minor league rehab assignments has stirred excitement among fans and analysts alike.
The question on everyone’s mind is: When will Siri get his opportunity to start in the major leagues? Given that injuries and performance inconsistencies have affected the Mets’ roster, there’s a good chance that Siri will find himself as a regular contributor sooner rather than later.
There are a few factors at play that could lead to Siri’s elevation to a starting role. With several Mets outfielders nursing injuries or struggling to find their form, Siri’s combination of speed and power makes him an attractive fit. Showalter has said that he values players who can impact the game in various ways—whether it’s stealing bases or making highlight-reel catches—and Siri embodies that ethos.
Additionally, the timing of his potential start could coincide with the team’s scheduled games against strong divisional rivals. If the Mets find themselves needing an offensive spark or a defensive upgrade, Siri could slot into either corner outfield position or even center field as needed. His readiness to go will depend on his continued development in the minors and how he adjusts to the major leagues, but all signs indicate that he’s on the cusp of making an impact.
The Starting Rotation’s Resilience
Despite the turbulence of injuries within their starting rotation, the Mets remain steadfast in their trust in the group. Traditionally a team known for its pitching depth, the Mets have faced challenges this season with key arms sidelined, leading many to question the rotation’s ability to hold up over the course of a long season.
One of the bright spots for the Mets has been their younger pitchers. The emergence of talent such as David Peterson and Tylor Megill has provided much-needed stability. Both pitchers have shown flashes of brilliance, and their ability to step up when called upon has solidified confidence in the staff as a whole. Peterson, in particular, has been pivotal in recent games, showcasing improved command and an ability to navigate through tough lineups.
The leadership of veterans like Max Scherzer and Justin Verlander cannot be overlooked either. Both future Hall of Famers have been instrumental in keeping morale high and mentoring younger pitchers. Their presence is a calming influence that allows other members of the rotation to focus on their game without feeling the added pressure of underperformance. Scherzer, renowned for his work ethic and preparation, brings a wealth of knowledge and experience, pushing his peers to elevate their own performance.
Another promising aspect of the rotation is the team’s commitment to managing workloads responsibly. With the long grind of the season still ahead, the Mets are fully aware that maintaining the health of their pitchers is paramount. Frequent use of pitchers in specialized roles and strategic rest days can mitigate wear and tear, allowing for optimized performance when it truly matters.
The confidence the organization has in its pitching depth is also reflected in the front office’s approach to the trade deadline. Many insiders believe that the Mets are less inclined to make drastic moves to acquire a starting pitcher, feeling instead that they have the internal pieces to weather the storm. This attests to their belief in the collective capabilities of the staff and the depth available within the organization.
Looking Forward
As the 2023 season progresses, all eyes will be on both Jose Siri and the health and performance of the starting rotation. For the Mets, Siri’s potential insertion into the lineup could provide the spark they need on offense, while the continued development and resilience of their pitchers could solidify their standing in the National League playoff chase.
For fans, the anticipation surrounding both narratives is palpable. A season teeming with promise is unfolding, and the decisions made by the coaching staff now will certainly bode well for the Mets as they aim for success this year and in years to come. Whether it’s the swift rise of Jose Siri or the steadfast reliability of the starting rotation, the Mets are showing that they are more than capable of overcoming challenges on their journey toward postseason glory.
The New York Mets are navigating through key challenges as they manage player injuries and assess their starting rotation’s performance. Jose Siri’s potential to start soon is a topic of interest, especially as the team looks to maximize its offensive options. The organization is expressing confidence in its starting rotation, despite facing some setbacks. They believe that their current roster can adapt and perform effectively even with injuries impacting their lineup. As the season progresses, the Mets will continue to monitor player conditions and seek to make strategic decisions that will position them for success.