Pitching coach Rick Peterson said whoever starts Game 1 will be told tomorrow, and that there wouldn’t be any late-night phone calls. He said he doesn’t expect that to change. Peterson would not elaborate on the extent of Orlando Hernandez’s right calf injury other than to say there’s an injury to the right calf.
I do hope you note the sarcasm.
Here’s how the rotation looks heading into the playoffs and handicapping the potential starters:
- Orlando Hernandez was supposed to start, but felt something in his right calf. An MRI confirmed an injury and said they’ll know more in the morning. They insist Hernandez has not been ruled out.
- Tom Glavine, the projected Game 2 starter, last pitched Saturday in Washington. If he were to start it would be on short rest.
- Steve Trachsel arrived from San Diego this afternoon after attending to family business. His start Sunday was scratched. Trachsel just finished a 60-pitch bullpen session about 15 minutes ago, which means he’s not going to start tomorrow.
- John Maine last pitched Friday at Washington, and of all the Mets’ potential starters is the only one who could start on normal rest.
I’m still thinking the path of least resistance is Maine, and go back to this point: If they are afraid to start him in Game 1, then why is he here?
Follow the Mets in the playoffs on LoHud.com/mlbplayoffs.
8 Comments
John – just ran across your blog. Great info. Looking forward to reading it through the playoffs.
Word has it Trachel’s wife just left him and that’s the family business. Any truth to this?
Hi John –
You and the rest of the sports staff are really doing a great job with the post season coverage – I read it all and I commend you all on this fine work.
The Mets have met all challenges during this special season, and I believe that they can meet those that have occured in the past few days. They have played as a team all year and are used to thinking collectively, not individually.
‘You Gotta Believe’
HK …
Thanks for the kind words. Will try to live up to them. Take care
Anon …
Icy slope there. Rumors are always flying, but I won’t write anything until I get it confirmed, and he’s not talking.
John,
You were right all along about Maine.
I am not really that comfortable with hime being first, but as you say let him go see what happens. If he blows up there is still time in the short series.
Hopefully he will do what Wang did for the Yanks and pitch a decent game and get over any postseason jitters.
Dave
Dave …
Mets carrying 12 pitchers in anticipation of going to their bullpen a lot.
Hi Joan …
You’ve been a loyal reader from the beginning. Many thanks and best wishes to you.