PHILADELPHIA — Jose Quintana is all for Kodai Senga returning to the pitching workers when he’s recovered from the strained left calf that’s sidelined him since July.
And the lefty mentioned Sunday he’d be willing to pitch out of the bullpen if want be to make room for Senga.
“My focus is on my next start, but I think when Senga comes back, he’s gonna help us a lot, so whatever way I can help, I will do it,’’ Quintana said before the Mets lost to Philadelphia, 2-1, at Citizens Bank Park. “It’s not a big deal. Right now, it’s not a time to be about myself. It’s about the team. If it’s good for the team, I’m open to doing it.”
President of baseball operations David Stearns mentioned Friday he was “optimistic” Senga would make it back.
The right-hander is eligible to come off the IL on Sept. 25.
Stearns added that the workforce was “likely” to use Senga as a starter if he have been ready to pitch as a result of that’s what Senga is accustomed to.
Although Senga has been ready to preserve his arm lively whereas restoration from the decrease physique harm, he gained’t give you the chance to construct back up to regular starter size, which might necessitate further aid for any begins he may make.
Quintana final pitched out of the bullpen in 2021.
While the lefty has had an inconsistent season, he’s been efficient over his final 4 begins.
He’s allowed only one earned run in 25 innings in that stretch and is about to begin towards Washington Wednesday at Citi Field.
“It’s a little bit different pitching from the bullpen because the game is quicker and you have to be ready,’’ Quintana said. “I’ve been in that position before. Right now, I want to win. I don’t care how.”
Starling Marte was held out of the lineup after being drilled in the left forearm in Saturday’s loss.
Although X-rays have been destructive Saturday, Marte didn’t play on Sunday.
Carlos Mendoza mentioned Marte wasn’t obtainable to pinch hit, however he might have been used as a pinch runner or defensive alternative.
J.D. Martinez hit two extra balls laborious Sunday, however is hitless in his final 16 at-bats and his OPS of .749 is the lowest it’s been since late May.
But after the DH was robbed of a homer Saturday and hit one other ball to the fence in the seventh inning Sunday at Citizens Bank Park, Mendoza is unconcerned.
“His at-bats are actually good,’’ the supervisor mentioned.
Mark Vientos entered Sunday with a 1.016 OPS towards lefties, good for third-best in the National League.
But Philadelphia left-hander Cristopher Sanchez struck out Vientos thrice.
He whiffed a fourth time versus right-hander Orion Kerkering in the eighth inning of a 2-1 loss.
“He had some decent at-bats,’’ Mendoza said of the third baseman. “They made him chase and had a tough right-on-right [in Kerkering] out of the bullpen.”
Francisco Lindor, Edwin Diaz and bullpen coach Jose Rosado wore No. 21 jerseys in honor of Roberto Clemente Day.
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