Full Breakdown
Mets Doubleheader vs Rockies: Rain, Pitching Shuffle, Bichette at Shortstop
4/28/2026, 12:46:32 AM
Doubleheader Set-Up After Rain Postponement
The Mets’ Saturday game against the Colorado Rockies was postponed due to rain and moved to a single-admission doubleheader on Sunday, April 26, 2026. Game 1 is set for a 1:40 p.m. ET start (some reports list 1:35 p.m.), with gates opening at 12:10 p.m. and parking at 11:40 a.m. (source 8). The doubleheader leaves no rest day before the Mets travel to Washington.
Pitching Assignments and Recent Performance
Game 1 starter Nolan McLean (0-0) carries a 2.67 ERA, 11.3 K/9 and a 0.758 WHIP. In his last outing he retired the first five innings and struck out ten. Game 2 starter Kodai Senga (0-3, 8.83 ERA) has allowed 18 runs (17 earned) in 17 1/3 innings with 22 K. He gave up three runs in 12 1/3 innings against Colorado last season. Austin Warren was added as the Mets’ 27th man for the doubleheader.
Bo Bichette’s Shortstop Experiment
Shortstop Francisco Lindor remains on the IL with a calf strain, prompting manager Carlos Mendoza to move Bo Bichette from third base to shortstop for Game 1 – his first start at the position for New York. Early-season numbers vary: one source lists a .239/.270/.314 slash line with one homer, 12 RBI and 66 wRC+; another lists .239/.255/.311. Advanced metrics show a 42.9 % chase rate and 69.2 mph bat speed, indicating continued offensive struggles.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on Bichette’s early-season slash line: one lists .239/.270/.314, another lists .239/.255/.311. No clarification is provided.
Official Statements & Responses
The Mets organization issued a press release confirming the doubleheader schedule, Austin Warren’s activation as the 27th man, and Bichette’s shortstop assignment. The club said the moves cover Lindor’s injury and aim to maximize offense.
Criticism & Opposition
Analysts warn Senga’s high ERA and limited rest leave little margin for error, echoing Mark W. Sanchez’s comment that “the leash can’t be that long for Kodai Senga.” Bichette’s shift to shortstop also draws scrutiny given his prior struggles at the position.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Given the Mets’ starting pitching depth, the leash can’t be that long for Kodai Senga, writes Mark W.” — Mark W. Sanchez, New York Post
- “With rain already coming down and more in the forecast, the Mets announced their game against the Rockies had been moved to Sunday as part of a single-admission doubleheader.” — Mets organization
- “The Mets no longer have the worst record in MLB.” — Heavy.com
Why It Matters / Impact
The doubleheader gives the Mets a chance to reverse a series loss, boost NL East standing, and gauge McLean’s and Senga’s durability; Bichette’s defensive shift could affect his long-term role and infield stability.
What’s Next
The Mets travel to Washington Monday for a three-game series against the Nationals, with bullpen usage and lineups likely shaped by today’s doubleheader.
