Mets to avoid using deGrom, Thor in Game 5
Right-handers will need to make starts if New York extends World Series
NEW YORK -- Though World Series Game 5 (tonight at 8 p.m. ET on FOX) is win or go home for the Mets, they'll be managing it with an eye toward Games 6 and 7.
Staring at a 3-1 World Series deficit at Citi Field, Mets manager Terry Collins said starting pitchers Jacob deGrom and Noah Syndergaard -- the team's planned Game 6 and 7 starters, respectively -- are highly unlikely to appear out of the bullpen in Game 5. Though deGrom last pitched Wednesday and is theoretically available, using him would leave the Mets without a starter Tuesday in another must-win game. Syndergaard, who threw 104 pitches Friday, is unavailable.
"If I bring in deGrom, we're going to have a tough time explaining bringing him back on Tuesday," Collins said, putting the onus on Game 5 starter Matt Harvey. "It all rides on your starting pitcher. If he does what they normally do, we're going to be OK."
Steven Matz, who started Game 4, would theoretically be available in relief if the World Series goes back to Kansas City. The Mets have also potentially discussed using Harvey in Game 7, if necessary.