ANAHEIM, Calif. — Instead of spending an off day in the Rockies, the Mets will get an Arch reunion.
Such is the schedule that calls for the Mets to play a makeup game Monday in St. Louis before heading to Colorado to begin a new series the following day.
They lost 3-2 to the Angels on Sunday to depart the West Coast with their first series defeat since June.
J.D. Martinez stop in St. Louis for one game against the Cardinals on Monday. USA TODAY Sports via Reuters Con
Monday’s makeup was scheduled in May, when the finale of a three-game series at Busch Stadium was postponed by weather — specifically the threat of tornados in the area.
But it’s left the Mets to play 10 games over 10 days in three different time zones, covering roughly 8,000 miles.
The Mets will play three games in Colorado and another three in Seattle to conclude the trip.
“I’m not thrilled about [the makeup game], but it’s a business at the end of the day and they have got to make their money,” J.D. Martinez said.
Martinez said it would be better if postponed games that can’t be made up as part of a doubleheader or during a team’s next scheduled visit were held until the end of the season, at which time they would only be played if necessary.
The 36-year-old Martinez indicated he is concerned on some level about the toll of extra travel on his body.
The Mets will play a makeup game at Busch Stadium on Aug. 5, 2024. Getty Images
“It’s not going to be easy going there and back, it’s going to be tough,” Martinez said.
The Cardinals were at home on Sunday night to face the Cubs.
Monday’s first pitch is scheduled for 5:15 p.m. EST.
Tuesday’s scheduled starting pitcher, Luis Severino, was granted a reprieve from traveling to St. Louis.
The right-hander was set to fly from Southern California to Denver after Sunday’s game.
Reed Garrett and Sean Reid-Foley are possibilities to rejoin the Mets bullpen this week, according to Mendoza.
Both pitched Sunday for Double-A Binghamton in rehab appearances, but struggled.
Starling Marte ran the bases and will resume his rehab in Port St. Lucie on Monday.
The veteran outfielder recently said he expects to begin playing in minor league games this week, but Mendoza would only say Marte will “possibly” take such a step in that time frame.
Marte has been on the injured list since June 25 with a bone bruise in his right knee.
