Prior to postponing the start of their series against the Pirates on Thursday night, the Mets announced that Brandon Nimmo would not be in the lineup. The center fielder’s left shoulder was sore following a diving catch in Game 1 of Wednesday’s doubleheader against Milwaukee. He was on the bench to begin Game 2, but entered late as a pinch hitter.
While the Mets had Kevin Pillar slated to start in Nimmo’s absence Thursday, the 28-year-old would have been available. Manager Luis Rojas claimed Nimmo was feeling “really good” and was prepared to play.
“We were tentative to start him because of [his shoulder], but right now he went through the treatment and he actually went through the pregame stuff indoors and he feels really good. At this point we’re just going to have him come off the bench,” Rojas said. “He is able to swing, he is able to come off the bench and play for us if we need him at some point in the game.”
Nimmo only rejoined the lineup on Saturday, following a two-month absence after tearing a ligament in his left index finger. In the six games since his return, the outfielder has scored five runs on eight hits and has an on-base percentage of .391.
Rojas is uncertain whether Jacob deGrom will pitch again before the All-Star break. After deGrom’s start Wednesday, the manager hinted his ace could be available for duty on short rest Sunday in the final game before the break. The Mets have not announced a starter for Sunday.
“We have Sunday open and if [deGrom] chooses not to throw a side before he leaves, then that is a conversation maybe we can have [Friday] or Saturday, just to see if instead of that side he can throw in game,” Rojas said. “Once he plays catch maybe we can have that conversation.”
Saturday will be the Mets’ 10th doubleheader of the season. In each of their past five doubleheaders, the Mets have won the first game and lost the nightcap.
Nick Tropeano was recalled from Triple-A Syracuse to give the Mets a fresh arm. Robert Stock, who started the nightcap of Wednesday’s doubleheader, was optioned.
