Just Mets

Mets manager Terry Collins met with reporters before Monday’s game in Washington against the Nationals. Here’s what he had to say…

Juan Lagares isn’t leading off against right-handed pitching, yet.

In his career, Lagares has hit .255 with a .295 OBP against right-handed pitching, so Collins’ argument does hold some water. That along with Lagares’ rate of swinging at pitches outside the zone makes him a weak candidate to be the leadoff hitter anyway.

Still, the Mets have to figure out exactly where Lagares fits in this lineup. Despite his struggles against righties, he is showing more and more maturity at the plate, and a stable role in the lineup may help further that development.

Rafael Montero won’t be used in high-leverage situations early on.

Montero will be used in two-inning stints, Collins said on Monday. In addition, he’s not expected to be used in key spots late in games. That’s ok for now, although Collins did note in camp Montero’s stuff would play well late in games. If he stays in the bullpen and pitches well in long relief, eventually he could play a key role for the club late in games, and certainly serves as insurance if Jeurys Familia and/or Jenrry Mejia continue to struggle.

Daniel Murphy might get a day off in Atlanta this weekend.

Murphy hasn’t played much lately, and didn’t play a complete game during minor league games last week, so it makes sense to take it slow with his hamstring. It might make some sense to remove Murphy from games before this weekend, if there’s a blowout.