Mets Notes: Joey Lucchesi’s rough first spring start, promising update on Jeff McNeil

Here are the latest Mets notes as spring training rolls on...

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Joey Lucchesi's first spring start

With Kodai Senga on the IL to start the season, the Mets will have to lean on other pitchers to fill in the ace-sized hole until he gets back.

Joey Lucchesi was on the mound for the first time in Grapefruit League action on Tuesday night. Unfortunately, it didn't go that well.

The lefty pitched 1.1 innings, giving up four runs on four hits and one walk in the Mets' 4-1 loss to the Washington Nationals. 

The 30-year-old said after the game that he felt good to see some game action for the first time this spring but wishes things turned out better.

"I wish I got that first out in the first inning against [Eddie] Rosario. Maybe I let the tempo of the game get to me," Lucchesi said. "When I was done with my outing, I sat and thought 'oh man, I let that happen. I'm way better than that.'

"I understand what I did wrong and somewhat right in that outing. I'll be alright, I'll be good, just gotta not let it speed up on me."

Mets manager Carlos Mendoza is not concerned with Lucchesi. When the subject of Lucchesi's velocity being down came up, the first-year skipper undersold it.

"This is a guy that deception is one of his weapons," Mendoza explained. "He's going to be 90-91. He was 88-89, today, which is pretty normal for him in his first outing. I'm not concerned at all." 

In nine starts late last season, Lucchesi pitched to a 4-0 record with a 2.89 ERA and 1.31 WHIP. 

Update on Jeff McNeil

McNeil has not seen spring training action just yet, but it looks like he's getting closer and closer.

Following Tuesday's loss, Mendoza was asked about McNeil, who took live batting practice earlier in the day. Mendoza was short and to the point with his response.

"Another good day today. Caught BP. Swung the bat," Mendoza said. "He’s doing well, progressing well."

McNeil, who has been dealing with a biceps issue, took swings for the first time since being shut down over the weekend and had a "positive day" working on the backfields on Monday. 

Jose Quintana "excited" for Mets rotation

The Mets rotation entered Tuesday's game with the lowest ERA in the Grapefruit League (2.64) and that continued with Quintana's four shutout innings.

Quintana, who is entering his second season with the Mets, will anchor the rotation alongside Luis Severino, Adrian Houser and others until Senga returns.

"I'm really excited for our rotation. Just keep it going," Quintana said after the game. "I know it's just spring training but it's a great feeling to start the right way before the season."

In three spring training starts, Quintana has pitched to a 2.08 ERA with a 1.38 WHIP.  With just a handful of starts remaining before the regular season begins on March 28, Quintana says he "feels great." 

"I'm really excited the way I threw the ball today," he said. "Really happy throwing the first pitch for strikes...my tempo was really good, too. It feels great, so almost there."