2 signs the Mets can rebound in Game 3 vs. the Brewers, 2 red flags signaling they’re done

Good news and bad news. Good news is it wasn’t over in two which is more than the Houston Astros, Baltimore Orioles, and Atlanta Braves fans can say. The bad news is the New York Mets need to hop back up on the horse and win on Thursday to avoid elimination. The game also starts a little earlier so we birds who like to see the sunrise get a little more sleep. We’ll make up the hour we lose in November when the clocks fall back.

This emotional week for Mets fans started before the playoffs began. Monday’s victory against the Braves created a wave I’m not sure any of us have gotten off of. The days have been a snail’s crawl. How much we tip is based on how well the Mets are doing. Uber drivers beware today. The Mets ripped out our hearts.

It ain’t over yet. There are signs the Mets will rebound in Game 3 against the Milwaukee Brewers. In the words of Han Solo, don’t get cocky. There are some red flags signaling it’s already over, too.

Sign the Mets rebound: The Brewers bullpen is more taxed

Even in their win, the Brewers turned to their bullpen more than a team would probably prefer. This is their style of play. It’s a little ironic because the Mets spent 162 games trying to chase the starting pitcher only to now play a team in the playoffs where you’d probably prefer to keep him on the mound.

Milwaukee needed 5 relievers after Frankie Montas on Wednesday. They used 4 the day prior with Aaron Civale eating up the final 3 innings. 

In a war of bullpens for Game 3, we should trust the Mets to at least look well-rested at this point. Their issue is more about depth. The playoff roster has multiple relievers whose cleats won’t hit the mound dirt unless absolutely necessary. Max Kranick is here to eat innings in a blowout. Adam Ottavino’s continued presence on the Mets is more a case of “who else would they even go with?” Danny Young could face a lefty to try ending an inning. 

An elimination game for both teams should make the use of pitchers interesting. Both starters will have early hooks. Managerial choices but the execution by those pitchers will make the difference in this one.