Mets' manager Luis Rojas praises bullpen, announces Wacha as fourth starter

Mets have not yet announced who will start fifth game of season against Boston

7/25/2020, 6:16 PM
May 31, 2018; New York City, NY, USA; New York Mets starting pitcher Seth Lugo (67) pitches against the Chicago Cubs during the first inning at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Andy Marlin-USA TODAY Sports / Andy Marlin
May 31, 2018; New York City, NY, USA; New York Mets starting pitcher Seth Lugo (67) pitches against the Chicago Cubs during the first inning at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Andy Marlin-USA TODAY Sports / Andy Marlin

Seth Lugo, Justin Wilson, and Edwin Diaz combined for four shutout innings to preserve a 1-0 win on Opening Day on Friday.

After the bullpen was a liability for the majority of the season last year, manager Luis Rojas says that could be a blessing in disguise for this season.

"Guys are more experienced. Some guys went through challenges, they went through really good times throughout the season," said Rojas. "That just gives you experience."

Rojas also praised the work that his bullpen arms have put in since spring training.

"It's gonna help the guys to...approach some things differently, and just making the adjustments that you need to make in the game of baseball. I've got to give kudos to a lot of the guys that brought great shape and also tweak some stuff in their repertoire to show to us what they're up for this year," said Rojas.

And, as Rojas told reporters on Saturday, there are "weapons pending."

Of course, he means newcomer Dellin Betances, who warmed up briefly, but sat back down yesterday after Yoenis Cespedes' solo, and game-winning, home run. 

But more weapons are potentially Brad Brach, who returned to the ball club on Saturday, and Jared Hughes, who could be facing live pitching as his next step to return, according to Rojas.

Speaking of weapons, the Mets have their's for when they travel to Fenway Park to face the Boston Red Sox on Monday - Michael Wacha will make his Mets debut in the first of the three-game set.

As for the fifth starter, it's still up in the air.

"TBD Tuesday," said Rojas. "We have guys right now with us, depth guys that are profiled to do something like that."

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