Managing a baseball team is a tough gig. Carlos Mendoza, in his 89th game as a big-league manager, faced criticism after the Mets’ 8-2 loss to the Pirates. His decision to pull Christian Scott after 77 pitches, despite pitching his best game, raised eyebrows. Scott understood the management’s caution for his future, but fans weren’t as forgiving, especially when the bullpen failed.
Mendoza turned to Eric Orze, who was making his MLB debut, but the strategy backfired. Orze couldn’t retire any of the top three hitters, leading to a messy inning. The subsequent woes with other relievers only compounded the Mets’ troubles, highlighting their bullpen issues. Although Mendoza had limited options, fans’ frustration grew, complicating his role further.
Despite occasional successes and maintaining playoff hopes, Mendoza’s tricky decisions continue to spark debates. Balancing short-term wins with long-term player health, especially with a thin bullpen, tests even seasoned managers. Mendoza’s learning curve is steep, and each game magnifies the scrutiny he faces.
