J.D. Martinez returns to the lineup against the righty Walker Buehler
Here’s the lineup for the Mets heading into Game 3 of the NLCS:
- Francisco Lindor – SS
- Mark Vientos – 3B
- Brandon Nimmo – LF
- Pete Alonso – 1B
- Starling Marte – RF
- J.D. Martinez – DH
- Jose Iglesias – 2B
- Tyrone Taylor – CF
- Francisco Alvarez – C
Some notes: J.D. Martinez will see his first action of the NLCS, getting the start over Jesse Winker against Dodgers right-hander Walker Buehler. Martinez is 0-for-3 with two strikeouts in his career against Buehler, with his lone game against the righty coming in a matchup during the 2018 World Series.
Both Francisco Alvarez and Jose Iglesias will start, possibly with Jeff McNeil available on the bench as a pinch hitter. McNeil hasn’t had much success against Buehler, going 1-for-10 with a walk and two strikeouts in his career.
The Mets also look like they’re committing to Tyrone Taylor over Harrison Bader in center field this series. Taylor has gone 4-for-28 with two walks and two doubles so far this postseason, while Bader has managed only one single in six playoff plate appearances.