While the Mets have become accustomed to their new protocols and guidelines heading into the regular season, they had to go through another big change on Sunday. A trip across town to Yankee Stadium for their second exhibition game wasn’t as normal as it always has been.
The Mets traveled for the first time in summer camp, taking 10 people per bus to the Bronx to face the Yankees once again. Manager Luis Rojas discussed the situation and said that it was just another new one the team would have to get used to.
“It’s another step towards progression,” Rojas told reporters via Zoom before the game. “Us getting on the bus from Citi Field to here, there’s definitely new things that we did as far as social distancing. There was 10 of us in each bus that we took to get here. So we maintained our distance on the bus, and then getting here the screening process, getting here to the clubhouse and noticing the Yankees did some of the same things that we did…”
It's great to see both teams going above and beyond to make sure all protocols set forth by the league are met and then some. It will be a whole different process gearing up to travel – and this was only to the Bronx. Imagine the trip down to Miami to face the Marlins or Atlanta to take on the Braves?
But that’s exactly what the exhibition games are for: learning what teams need to do and getting those kinks out before the regular season begins.
“A lot of new things that we’re seeing so these exhibition games have given us that taste,” Rojas said.
Here’s what else the Mets’ skipper said on Sunday…
Why Rene Rivera was added to the 40-man roster
The Mets announced a change in their 40-man roster with the veteran catcher in Rivera joining the squad. He was a signing that made sense back in spring training, and since the roster is expanded at the start of the regular season, Rojas said depth is the main reason he was moved.
“One of the things that you want to do in a season like this and having the luxury of a 30-man roster to start the season is you can have depth in different positions,” he said. “Right now, with the catching, we have four catchers right now. Ali Sanchez, Rene now, [Tomas] Nido and Wilson [Ramos]. Having the depth can definitely give us some thought come Opening Day.
“Rene’s a guy that has plenty of experience and we see he can help us definitely this season.”
Robert Gsellman is dealing with triceps tightness
One reporter pointed out that Gsellman hasn’t been seen much recently, and Rojas revealed that he’s actually dealing with triceps tightness. The situation remains day-to-day, as the performance staff will continue monitoring his throwing.
Rojas wouldn’t elaborate on Gsellman’s status for Opening Day.
What he wants to see out of Yoenis Cespedes in left field
The veteran is getting the start in left on Sunday, and though he may not be out there too long, Rojas is going to have a keen eye on what he does. He’s shown good at-bats and tried sprinting out an infield single on Saturday, so his baserunning seems good for now. Playing the field is something Rojas needs to check off as well.
“Looking at him getting those chances [making plays] off the bat,” Rojas said when asked what he will be watching from Ces. “Looking at him getting those reads, making those plays. For us, to have the vision. Part of his progression is to be on the field.”