3 Opening Day roster decisions the Mets still needs to make

New York Mets Opening Day arrives next Thursday and like soon-to-be first-time parents, they’re not quite set for delivery despite knowing when they’d have to have it all prepared. The Edwin Diaz injury threw a wrench into the team’s plans. So have injuries to other players and shockingly poor or good performances.

The Mets are pretty much set with a few important decisions remaining. Who will they pick, how will they order them, and which members of the organization will soon become a distant memory?

1) NY Mets still need to finalize their bullpen

This is probably the last decision most teams make. Bullpens are difficult to build because relievers tend to flame out quickly or come from out of nowhere.

The Mets have their share of bullpen spots up for grabs. Diaz’s injury opens up a more realistic opportunity for Tommy Hunter to crack the team. In fact, why waste time and go with anyone else?

John Curtiss has already won a job. It looks like the Mets will either have Elieser Hernandez as the long man or forgo the use of one and give Dennis Santana a shot.

One player who has yet to lose or win a gig is Stephen Nogosek. The out of options reliever started off the spring well but has seen his ERA inflate after recent outings. It could be a chase between him and Santana for one of the bullpen spots. If the team decides to not carry Hernandez, it’s a battle the two could continue to wage into the regular season.

We’re all fully aware that the relievers the Mets have on Opening Day won’t be the ones they have at the end of the season. As true as it is, making smart choices early on will benefit them.