Daisuke Matsuzaka, a career starter, made only his second relief appearance ever on Saturday. He apparently is growing into the role, coming back on a second straight day and tossing three hitless innings in the Mets’ 4-3, 14-inning win over the Braves on Sunday.
“I spoke with Dan [Warthen, pitching coach] before the game and I told him I’d be ready, that I can go. Of course it went into extra innings so I knew I had to pitch. I was mentally prepared, so it wasn’t too difficult,’’ Matsuzaka said. “I’ve never done it, so it’s hard to say [how it’ll go]. This is my role for the time being so I have to just do what I can and make sure I pitch well whenever I go out there.
“I don’t want to use not being used to and not having done it as an excuse. This is my role for the time being, so I just need to go out and pitch well. … [Saturday] I only pitched one inning. I didn’t expect back-to-back days to be a problem.’’
Matsuzaka was known in Japan for having pitched on consecutive days in high school.
“Dice K was awesome. Her pitched really really well,’’ catcher Anthony Recker said. “When he fell behind, he had the offspeed stuff to get back into the count, and when he got ahead he was able to put guys away pretty easily. He did a really, really good job.
“That was huge, what did he give us three innings? That was huge, You can’t ask for anything more from a guy What was that his second time out of the bullpen in his career? I don’t know I he ever did it before, but that was pretty impressive.’’
Eric Young Jr. took a foul ball off his foot in the first inning, but said he was fine.
Starter Zack Wheeler allowed three runs on six hits in six innings. All three runs came on back-to-back-to-back doubles in the fifth. He took a no-decision, his ERA at 4.63 ERA.
Bobby Abreu is expected to join the Mets prior to Monday’s game against the Cardinals. Abreu hit .395 (15-39) with four doubles, one home run and nine RBI in 15 games with Triple-A Las Vegas. With Ike Davis gone, he could add pop off the bench.
Jenrry Mejia, who left his last start with a blister, will start Monday.