The New York Mets are set to resume their three-game series against the Colorado Rockies on Wednesday night after an unexpected day off due to inclement weather in Denver. Before the game, manager Carlos Mendoza addressed several key updates regarding his team’s lineup and injury status.
For the second consecutive game, catchers Francisco Alvarez and Luis Torrens are both in the starting lineup—a rare but strategic move. Alvarez will serve as the designated hitter batting eighth, while Torrens handles the catching duties in the nine-hole. This pairing paid off handsomely in the Mets’ 4-2 victory on Monday, as the duo combined for two doubles, two runs, and an RBI, including back-to-back doubles in the pivotal sixth inning.
Having both catchers in the lineup is unconventional, but Mendoza is maximizing his offensive output amid a slew of injuries while maintaining defensive strength behind the plate. The decision, Mendoza explained, is a calculated one that factors in several elements, including the availability of superstar Juan Soto. “Soto being able to play in the outfield, having a day game tomorrow where there’s a good chance he’s gonna DH—it all plays a role,” Mendoza said. “We’re looking at which catcher faces which pitcher: Avy catches the righty today, Luis catches the lefty tomorrow. There’s a lot that goes into it, and I decided to go with the combination again today.”
With Soto back in the outfield after serving primarily as a DH following his return from a calf strain, Mendoza has more flexibility to craft creative lineups. This is especially valuable given the Mets’ shorthanded roster and early-season struggles to generate runs. When asked about his comfort level with Soto playing the outfield on a snowy day in Denver, Mendoza expressed confidence in the star’s readiness, noting the team’s careful management of his workload.
As the Mets look to build momentum, this dual-catcher strategy could become a recurring theme—blending offensive firepower with defensive stability in a season where every win counts.