CALL’ OF DUTY
Mickey says he possesses unique ability to lead Mets
Mickey Callaway hasn’t heard from team brass about his status for next season, but said Thursday he doesn’t deem it imperative to know anything before the season’s conclusion.
The Mets manager is under contract through 2020, but is hardly on sure footing after a season in which the team will miss the postseason despite a strong secondhalf surge. Wednesday, Callaway said he expects to return for next season.
Before the Mets lost to the Marlins 4-2 on Thursday, he was asked on what he would base his case for a return.
“I think a manager’s job is to get guys going in a direction and I think these guys never wavered from that so I am definitely proud about that,” Callaway said. “I come to work as hard as I can every single day, I understand the rigors of the job and I try to deal with it the best I can and try to stay evenkeeled for the organization’s sake and for our players’ sake.
“I think everybody in that room has had a selflessness about them that allowed us to climb back into this race and play meaningful games. Do we have more to accomplish? Way more and I would like that to be under my watch because I love being here, I love sitting in front of you guys and I love those players in there and to be around them every day. This is the best game in the world and I understand how fortunate I am to lead a group like that in that locker room.”
Any announcement on the manager’s status is not expected before the middle of next week.
➤ Dominic Smith was activated from the injured list after spending two months sidelined by a stress fracture in his left foot. It’s unlikely Smith will start in any of the Mets’ remaining games, according to Callaway, but he could pinch-hit and play the field if he is double-switched into a game. Smith said it was important to return this season to at least clear a mental hurdle heading to the winter
Though Smith doesn’t hold illusions about unseating Pete Alonso at first base in 2020, he plans to work out with a track coach in the offseason to increase his speed so he can improve in the outfield.
“I know I am going to come in next year like I did this year, in great shape, and do my best to force another tough decision,” Smith said. “I’ll definitely show a little more versatility, moving around more and trying to come back in better shape and trying to play all three outfield spots and filling in at first base.”
➤ Callaway said he might discuss with Alonso the idea of batting leadoff this weekend in an attempt to get him as many at-bats as possible. Alonso began the night with 51 homers, one short of tying Aaron Judge’s MLB rookie record.
➤ Justin Wilson likely will be shut down for the remainder of the season, according to Callaway. The lefty reliever, who is a free agent after the season, is 4-2 with a 2.54 ERA and four saves in 45 appearances. Callaway also said it’s unlikely Seth Lugo will be used for multiple innings or on consecutive days in these remaining games.