Winker to DH in Game 6, Senga Available Out of Bullpen

With the Mets’ magic still alive and well, Carlos Mendoza addressed the media before Game 6 of the National League Championship Series.

It came after the Mets’ optional practice at Dodger Stadium today, where it wasn’t required of players to come due to their quick turnaround on the West Coast.

The biggest news addressed pertained to the lineup and bullpen heading into Game 6. Firstly, Mendoza stated to the media there was a “good chance” that Jesse Winker would be in the lineup Sunday.

“Jesse Winker is going to be the DH as far as I know,” Mendoza stated. “As of right now.”

The move shouldn’t come as a surprise to any. Winker rewarded his manager Friday, going 2-for-3 with a triple and three runs scored. He’s slashing .400/.571/.600 in 10 at-bats and has homered in two consecutive rounds for the Mets.

Meanwhile, the Mets haven’t received any production from J.D. Martinez in the NLCS. The veteran hasn’t recorded a hit in eight plate appearances, but has walked four times.

Still, Mendoza stated the decision to go with Winker was due to the bullpen game and didn’t mention performance. Even when asked if he was going with Winker due to him being the hotter bat.

“Well, I mean, we don’t know who we’re facing,” Mendoza said. “We know it’s a bullpen game so we still gotta wait and see what we got here. But there’s a good chance that he’ll be in the lineup. DHing, outfield, we’ll see how some of the guys are feeling too.”

With Anthony Banda being the only left-handed option for Dave Roberts, the decision makes sense from Mendoza. But a more interesting comment made at the end was about the health of players. Harrison Bader, Tyrone Taylor, and Starling Marte haven’t been hit with injury news, leaving Brandon Nimmo with the only option regarding injury as he deals with plantar fasciitis.

Winker hasn’t played a game in the outfield since September 27 against the Brewers, and isn’t known for his glove when out there. He’s only DHed and pinch-hit in the postseason, and if he’s in the field tomorrow, it’ll likely be due to Nimmo’s foot.

Kodai Senga Available in the ‘Pen

Mendoza also spoke on Kodai Senga‘s availability in Game 6. The right-hander will be available out of the bullpen tomorrow, likely taking him out of the equation for another start this series.

“He (Senga) will be available out of the bullpen just like he was yesterday,” Mendoza said. “So again, we’ll see how the game unfolds but he’s available.”

Whether or not we see Senga out of the ‘pen will be determined. Originally, he was being stretched out to make starts for the Mets the deeper they got into the postseason. But after a promising start against the Phillies, Senga cratered against the Dodgers and allowed three runs in 1 1/3 innings.

Yet, despite his lackluster appearance in Game 1, Mendoza stated that Senga would be available in any circumstance.

“Any circumstances,” Mendoza said on Senga’s availability. “He’s a good pitcher. Like I said, guys will step up. And I wouldn’t hesitate giving him the ball in the third, in the fourth, in the sixth in the seventh. It depends — he might be getting the last three innings of the game.”

“Hes on the active roster. There’s a reason why. He’s a good pitcher. And, like I said, people will step up. Senga is one of them.”

Francisco Alvarez

Outside of Game 6, Mendoza also took time to speak about Francisco Alvarez‘s Game 5 in New York. The 22-year-old had struggled at home, leaving 10 men on base in Games 3 and 4. But Friday, the catcher broke out and went 3-for-4 with an RBI single.

“I think one, he was on time, he got pitches early in the count that he was able to put the barrel on the ball,” Mendoza said on Alvarez’s turn around at the plate. “I think using the whole field, when you see him driving the ball to right field going with the pitch that’s a good sign. I think he’s shorter to the ball, he’s on time, when he’s on time a lot of things will happen good things will happen. Calm, on time, short to the ball using the whole field that’s a good combination.

Sean Manaea Ready to Go For Game 6

Left-hander Sean Manaea was also available to the media prior to Game 6. The first-year Met will take the ball and look to extend the Mets season Sunday, something he said he felt ready for.

“Great. I’m really excited for it (Game 6) and I mean at this point I feel like I’m ready to go.”

Manaea takes the ball for a consecutive must-win game for the Mets. He turned in the best performance of any Mets pitcher this series, allowing two earned runs in five innings against the Dodgers in Game 2.

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