PHILADELPHIA — Almost on the one-year anniversary of a career-altering injury, Danny Mendick was back in a serious league starting lineup Saturday.
The Mets recalled the utility man from Triple-A Syracuse, a day after Eduardo Escobar’s trade to the Angels for 2 minor league pitchers.
Mendick spent a lot of the last yr rehabbing from a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee and fractured fibula that occurred last June 22 while he was playing for the White Sox.
Mendick began at third base against the Phillies and went hitless in three at-bats within the Mets’ 4-2 victory.
He spent spring training with the Mets after arriving on a one-year contract and was optioned to Syracuse near the top of camp.
“There’s loads of ups and downs — it has been great,” Mendick said, referring to his journey during the last yr. “You undergo some character constructing. That was the primary time I even have ever been hurt, so it got me loads more mentally tough and makes it more exciting while you get back into it.”
Mendick, 29, said he was encouraged by the positivity within the Mets clubhouse Saturday, even with the team slumping.
“Just talking to the fellows, everybody is like, ‘We’re all right,’ ” Mendick said. “Should you take a look at different teams which have won it sometimes they don’t do too well and also you make a push in September and you’re the most popular team and also you win.”
Jeff McNeil was on the bench with left wrist discomfort he sustained while attempting to field a ball the previous night.
Luis Guillorme began at second base in his spot and finished 2-for-3.
“[McNeil] could have played today if we desired to push it, but he’s pretty sore from that [Friday] night,” manager Buck Showalter said.
Jose Quintana’s third minor league rehab start is scheduled for Sunday with High-A Brooklyn.
The left-hander threw 46 pitches in his start last Sunday for Low-A St. Lucie.
It’s possible he shall be deemed ready to hitch the Mets’ rotation before the All-Star break in two weeks.
Showalter is waiting to call a starting pitcher for Tuesday’s game against the Brewers, following Tylor Megill’s demotion to Syracuse.
The Mets have Carlos Carrasco and Justin Verlander scheduled to begin the subsequent two games.
Kodai Senga shall be on 4 days’ rest for just the second time this season as Wednesday’s scheduled starter.
