Winker goes to DH in Game 6, Senga is available out of the bullpen

With the Mets' magic still alive, Carlos Mendoza addressed the media before Game 6 of the National League Championship Series.

It happened after the Mets' optional practice today at Dodger Stadium, where their quick turnaround on the West Coast didn't require players to come.

The main news discussed was the lineup and bullpen before Game 6. First, Mendoza told the media there was a “good chance” that this was the case Jesse Winker would be in the lineup on Sunday.

“From what I understand, Jesse Winker will be the DH,” Mendoza said. “Stand now.”

The move shouldn't surprise anyone. Winker rewarded his manager Friday by going 2-for-3 with a triple and three runs scored. He is batting .400/.571/.600 in 10 at-bats and has hit a home run in back-to-back for the Mets.

Meanwhile, the Mets have not received any production from JD Martinez in the NLCS. The veteran hasn't recorded a hit in eight plate appearances, but has walked four times.

Still, Mendoza explained that the decision to go with Winker was due to bullpen play and didn't mention performance. Even when asked if he would go with Winker because he was the hotter bat.

“Well, I mean, we don’t know who we’re facing,” Mendoza said. “We know it’s a bullpen game, so we’ll just have to wait and see what we have here. But there's a good chance he'll be in the squad. DHing, outfield, we’ll see how some of the guys feel too.”

With Anthony Banda Since it's the only left-handed option for Dave Roberts, the Mendoza decision makes sense. But a more interesting comment at the end concerned the health of the players. Harrison Bader, Tyrone TaylorAnd Starling Marte haven't been hit by injury news and are leaving Brandon Nimmo The only option is injury-related as he struggles with plantar fasciitis.

Winker hasn't played in the outfield since Sept. 27 against the Brewers and isn't exactly known for his gloves. He'll only be DHed and pinch-hit in the postseason, and if he's on the field tomorrow, it's likely due to Nimmo's foot.

Kodai Senga Available in “pen”.

Mendoza also continued speaking Kodai Sengas availability in Game 6. The right-hander will be available out of the bullpen tomorrow, which will likely rule him out for another start in this series.

“He (Senga) will be as available out of the bullpen as he was yesterday,” Mendoza said. “So again we’ll see how the game plays out, but he’s available.”

Whether we see Senga out of the pen or not remains to be decided. He was originally slated to be in the starting lineup for the Mets as they advanced deeper into the postseason. But after a promising start against the Phillies, Senga faltered against the Dodgers, allowing three runs in 1 1/3 innings.

However, despite his lackluster performance in Game 1, Mendoza stated that Senga would be available no matter what.

“Under any circumstances,” Mendoza said of Senga’s availability. “He’s a good pitcher. Like I said, the guys will step up. And I wouldn't hesitate to give him the ball in the third, the fourth, the sixth and the seventh. It depends – he could win the last three innings of the game.”

“He is in the active squad. There is a reason for this. He is a good thrower. And like I said, people will step up. Senga is one of them.”

Francisco Alvarez

Even outside of Game 6, Mendoza took time to talk about it Francisco AlvarezGame 5 in New York. The 22-year-old struggled at home, leaving 10 men on base in Games 3 and 4. But on Friday, the catcher broke out, going 3-for-4 with an RBI single.

“I think, first of all, he was on time, he got throws early so he could put the run on the ball,” Mendoza said as Alvarez turned at the plate. “I think seeing him drive the ball into right field in line with the pitch is a good sign of using the whole field. I think he's shorter on the ball, he's on time, and when he's on time a lot of good things will happen. Calm, punctual, short on the ball and using the whole field, that's a good combination.

Sean Manaea is ready for Game 6

Left-handed Sean Manaea was also available to the media before Game 6. The Met's first-rounder will take the ball and try to extend the Mets' season on Sunday, something he said he felt ready to do.

“Great. I'm really looking forward to it (Game 6) and I mean at this point I feel like I'm ready to go.”

Manaea gets the ball for a back-to-back game that the Mets absolutely must win. He had the best performance of any Mets pitcher in the series, allowing two earned runs in five innings against the Dodgers in Game 2.