PHILADELPHIA — For the second straight day, the Mets never took the field at Citizens Bank Park.
Saturday’s game against the Phillies at Citizens Bank Park was postponed due to rain on the heels of Friday’s postponement. Saturday’s game will be made up as part of a single-admission doubleheader beginning at 12:35 p.m. on Sunday.
Max Scherzer will have his scheduled start pushed back for the second straight day. It will be the Mets’ third doubleheader of the season. In each case, Buck Showalter has gone with the previous day’s scheduled starter in the back half of the doubleheader.
Whether that will be the case once again on Saturday is to be seen. Chris Bassitt is already slated to face the Phillies for the first time in his career on SUNday afternoon.
“Sometimes a guy sitting around for five or six hours and watching the game, some guys are more equipped to do it than others,” Showalter said. “I’ve always wanted something in reserve too.”
Scherzer has already pitched twice against the Phillies this season, picking up a pair of wins. He has allowed five earned runs and struck out 16 batters in 11 innings across his two starts against the Phillies.
Before Saturday’s game was postponed, Showalter said he had discussions with Scherzer about their course of action including pushing back his start in the inclement weather.
“If Max told me that he felt great and this that and whatever, I would lean on that,” Showalter said. “As much as his spirit plays in the way he pitches, he also slows down and thinks about things from an analytical standpoint too. He doesn’t just let his emotions run wild about decisions that could affect our team and his career.”
Showalter said managing the bullpen is one of the toughest aspects of playing in a doubleheader. Sometimes securing a win can tax your arms more than a loss where high-leverage arms can be protected.
Fortunately for the Mets have an off day scheduled on Monday before beginning a three-game series against the Nationals.
Andrew Tredinnick is the Mets beat writer for NorthJersey.com. For unlimited access to all Mets analysis, news, trades and more, please subscribe today and download our app.
Email: [email protected] Twitter: @andrew_tred
Source: Asbury Park