The Mets are running out the same lineup they did in Game 1.
The Mets have announced their lineup for Game 2 of the NLCS against the Dodgers:
- Francisco Lindor – SS
- Mark Vientos – 3B
- Brandon Nimmo – LF
- Pete Alonso – 1B
- Starling Marte – RF
- Jesse Winker – DH
- Jose Iglesias – 2B
- Tyrone Taylor – CF
- Francisco Alvarez – C
SP: Sean Manaea
Eagle-eyed readers will notice that the lineup remains the same one the team trotted out there in Game 1, aside from Sean Manaea taking the pitching reins from Kodai Senga. This may seem surprising given the team combining for three hits while getting shut out in that loss, but this is, for the most part, the lineup that has gotten the Mets to this point.
With the Dodgers employing a bullpen game and kicking things off with the right-hander Ryan Brasier, Winker will remain in there as the DH in place of J.D. Martinez. Given how right-hand heavy the Dodgers’ bullpen is—their lone lefty is former Met Anthony Banda—Winker’s inclusion in the lineup was a safe bet.
Jeff McNeil, who recorded an out in one at-bat yesterday as a pinch hitter, remains out of the lineup after making it onto the NLCS roster. The Mets are exercising caution with the 2022 NL batting champion and is easing him back into game situations.