The Mets threw a few curveballs when they released their roster for Wednesday's National League wild-card game against the Giants, leaving off both first baseman Lucas Duda and lefty Josh Smoker, whose spot was taken by another lefty, Josh Edgin.
The Mets also added a third catcher _ Kevin Plawecki _ though they had hinted at such a move in the days leading up to the wild-card game. A third catcher gives manager Terry Collins added flexibility late in the game should he pinch-hit for starter Rene Rivera, whose primary value is as a catch-and-throw defender who will help pitcher Noah Syndergaard control the running game.
As for Duda, sources indicated Wednesday that he would be added to the roster should the Mets advance to an NLDS matchup against the Cubs.
Duda is still playing his way into game shape after missing much of the season with a stress fracture in his back, part of the reason he was left off the roster.
And since James Loney is expected to start at first base Wednesday, sources indicated that the Mets prefer other left-handed hitting pinch-hitting options given Duda's lack of experience in that role.
For instance, veteran Kelly Johnson would likely be the Mets' top pinch-hitting choice from the left side ahead of Michael Conforto and Alejandro De Aza. Eric Campbell was added to give the Mets a righty bat off the bench, leaving Duda as the odd man out.
As for Smoker's exclusion, sources noted Edgin's superior splits against lefties (.235 vs. .360 for Smoker). The move was still surprising. Smoker throws harder and was used more frequently in high leverage situations than Edgin, who has struggled in his first big league action since undergoing Tommy John surgery.
But Edgin's effectiveness against lefties tilted the balance _ with matchups taking precedence since the wild card is a single game rather than a postseason series.
