Mets manager explains why he didn't use Edwin Díaz in failed Wild Card Series Game 2 against Brewers

The Mets had the Brewers in trouble in the Wild Card Series, taking a 3-2 lead in Game 2, while the Brewers fell 1-0 in the best-of-three series. At that point, their most dangerous hitter was Jackson Chourio, the rookie sensation who came to the plate and led off the eighth strike for the Brewers.

He tied the game with his second home run of the game:

Later in the inning, pinch hitter Garrett Mitchell hit a two-run home run and the Brewers won the game 5-3.

Phil Maton worked the entire eighth inning for the Brewers, scoring three runs on four hits and picking up the blown save and loss. Maton has been very good overall for the Mets this season with a 2.51 ERA and 0.84 WHIP in 28 2/3 innings.

Still, many wondered about Mets closer Edwin Díaz. He wasn't used in Game 1, and since the Brewers' decision didn't come until the eighth inning, why not just use him in the eighth inning?

First, let's remember that Díaz threw 26 pitches on Sunday and then 40 pitches on Monday to help the Mets get into the playoffs. He must have been compromised at least a little.

In fact, Mets manager Carlos Mendoza said after the game that while Díaz was available, it was only for “a few hitters.” He later clarified that he would only use Díaz for three outs and that he liked the match between Maton and Chourio.

Here lies the catch. The Mets needed six more outs to win the game. Mendoza would use his top reliever for three of those outs. The Brewers' most dangerous hitters are Chourio and William Contreras, who went to first and third, respectively, in the eighth inning. So shouldn't Mendoza have used his best backups against the Brewers' best hitters?

During the regular season, relievers get used to the routine, and since Díaz is used to being closer and getting the ball in the ninth inning, save him for the ninth. However, in the postseason, it really seems like managers shouldn't worry about routines, stats, or anything like that. The Mets' toughest outs in the game came in the eighth, and Mendoza saved his best reliever for the ninth.

As it turned out, there was no end to the ninth. However, now there will be a Game 3 in which the Mets will be eliminated.