The Mets’ week was packed with the kind of quotes that tell the story as much as the box score does. From an unusual pitching setup to a few hard-earned individual moments, there was plenty to sort through.
Andy Green opened with the kind of game-state explanation that usually comes after a weird afternoon. In his view, the Brewers’ pitching wrinkle changed everything.
“[Gasser] is a low-slot lefty where the ball really rises. It was an interesting set of circumstances for them.
Typically, when you lose your starter on the first pitch of the game, you get put in a much worse situation. They had Gasser [pitch] five days ago and he threw [79] pitches.
[Today] was literally his [bullpen day]. Not often do you have a starter sitting in the ‘pen to take the ball.
… Our lineup was optimized to face the righty today. So you had a lot of matchups that favored Gasser.
We didn’t flip it.”
Green also took a look at Robert Stock’s outing and didn’t sugarcoat it.
“We just finished up the game right now. We’ll talk about this [pitching staff] and see where our heads are at.
[Robert Stock] had some nice starts for us. This is another one I’m sure he would want back.”
Stock, for his part, framed the Brewers as exactly the kind of opponent that makes a pitcher work for every inch.
“The challenge was, [the Brewers] are a really good team that put the ball in play. When you face a team like that, it’s rolling the dice.
They are going to put the ball in play. It’s on you to make your best pitches.”
Green also had a strong read on Francisco Lindor’s play in front of a packed crowd, stressing the moment as much as the standings.
“Everything [Lindor] has is put on the field to win a baseball game. I think we’re all cognizant of where we are [in the standings], but there was a game to be played with fans that filled the stadium - and gave a crazy roar after that play - and so you just enjoy those moments. It’s one of the reasons you play the game.”
Lindor said the support around him has been a real factor this season.
“The team has picked me up more times than I’ve picked them up this year. So to be there for the guys, it meant a lot. I’ve been wanting to do that.”
And he kept his own focus simple.
“Be the best version of myself. Be Francisco Lindor.
Play as hard as I can day in and day out. Give everything I got to the guys.”
Kodai Senga’s own reflection on the mound offered a glimpse into how he sees his role.
“I had a moment of realization that I’m in a position where the game could end potentially with one pitch, one swing of the bat. [Senga said of his thought process on the mound.] Seeing the ball like that, it just kind of dawned on me again that that’s the type of role that I’m playing right now.”
Andy Green also had a note on Jefry Yan’s emotions and the lesson still in progress.
“Certainly, Jefry [Yan] will learn not to jump before the play is over. That’s something he’s still working through. I think the emotions of the moment got him there.”
There was praise, too, for Jared Young, who keeps making the most of his chance.
“[Jared Young] always been a good hitter. This is the first time he’s gotten any runway in the big leagues, and he’s been really good.
Those are the type of at-bats you have been getting. That’s a legit closer that has really good stuff and another big swing from him.”
Green had another update on Bichette, too, saying the next morning would tell the story.
“We’ll see where [Bichette] is when he wakes up in the morning. You never really know how the ankle is until the next day. I’m hoping he is fine.”
Austin Warren addressed a mistake of his own, and didn’t try to dodge it.
“I probably should have said something earlier. That’s just a boneheaded mistake on my side.
But I am glad the results came back the way they did and it wasn’t worse. It could have been worse if I kept pitching through it.”
He also said the bullpen has adjusted quickly to the change.
“It was definitely different walking out to the pen the first night but I feel like everyone is stepping up and doing their job. That is all we can ask for right now.”
And then there was Mike Breen, fully in the moment and loving every second of it.
“I can’t believe I’m sitting here. I’m like a kid in a candy store.
You guys have no idea how fun this has been for me tonight. I got to meet Sean Manaea, who I’m such a big fan of.
I got to meet Zac Thornton, who I’m so impressed with. This is a big deal - I was on the field!”
Breen also looked back on an old run-in with Keith Hernandez and admitted exactly how starstruck he was.
“[Mike Breen was working with WNBC radio during the [Mets] ’86 playoff run. And even though Hernandez was known as a great quote and a favorite of the media, Breen was still, as an early career journalist, intimidated.]
I called you Mr. Hernandez, which I realize was a mistake at the time.
I couldn’t tell you how intimidated I was, first off, because I was standing in front of Keith Hernandez. … You were a great quote back then, writers loved you.
But I was 25, probably looked 17, and I was scared.”
Luis Robert Jr. added a positive note on the Mets from afar.
“This is a team that will always have a special place in my heart. I keep tabs of the results of the games, and I am really proud to see how they are performing this season.”
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