The Mets had an unexpected day off for the third time in five days on Thursday, with the series finale against the Phillies postponed due to another unwelcomed arrival from Mother Nature.
For New York, which has now had to deal with five postponements and one suspension (in the top of the first inning, so basically another postponement) over the first two weeks of the season, there isn't much to do beside accept powerlessness over the elements and hope the weather outlook is better tomorrow.
"In the month of April in history, there's been some disruption in playing," Luis Rojas said. "The first series of the season was the odd one from going back in time, it's something we've been living with over the last year…but as for as the weather…if it comes our way, I think we can find a way to be prepared. We just did it before this series and won three games in a row against the Phillies."
The Mets indeed had Sunday's game suspended after Marcus Stroman threw just seven pitches, then saw Monday's game postponed, and returned to play Tuesday to start a three-game winning streak. The team was hoping to continue that momentum on Thursday, but instead were thrown another undesired interruption.
As a result, the Mets will have another doubleheader in June to make up for the lost games in April, so a month of inactivity can quickly turn into an all-out spring in the coming months.
"I don't think it will be the first time ever we'll be facing something like that," Rojas said. "Right now I think we can take advantage of the seven-inning games when you play doubleheaders, that's what comes in handy with this rule, but when that time comes, we'll be ready as well."
The constant rainouts and postponements have been a disappointment for the Mets, who had to wait an extra four days to begin their season after the Nationals had multiple COVID-19 cases within their clubhouse, and so far this season have played just eight games, while most others have played roughly 12. Still, the team is left to find a way to stay sharp and win games that count just as much now as they will in September.
"I think the guys will be prepared," Rojas said. "Yeah we didn't play today, we wanted to play, but what else can we do? We just chip towards tomorrow and whatever comes our way, and be ready to face the Rockies tomorrow."
Of course, fitting for this first month of the season, the series in Colorado doesn't seem like a sure thing with snow in the forecast and temperatures in the 20s. Rojas said the team already informed the Rockies that they don't plan to hit on the field prior to Friday's game, if it's even played. If it's not, it will be yet another unexpected day off when the Mets are itching to get back to work.
"Right now, we just try to stay locked in in April and the games we get to play," Rojas said. "We know the weather has been a challenge, so we just have to focus on staying prepared to play when our next time is up, and right now that's tomorrow."
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