Carlos Mendoza loving his Mets fanbase: ‘They’re amazing’

· New York Post

Mets fans have a fan in the team’s manager. 

Carlos Mendoza spent six seasons as Yankees coach and became immersed in Bronx culture over six seasons and over the past year has gotten to understand the fan base in Queens. 

So how does Mendoza feel about Mets fans? 

Mets manager Carlos Mendoza #64 reacts after the final out of the 9th inning. Charles Wenzelberg / New York Post

“I love [them],” Mendoza said Wednesday before the Mets eliminated the Phillies with a 4-1 win in Game 4 of the NLDS at Citi Field. “They’re intense. They live and die on every pitch, every play, every game. I think they feel it as much as we do, and they want it as much as we want it. It’s a privilege, man.” 

Much of Mendoza’s appreciation stems from the support the Mets received during the regular season’s stretch run and the charged atmosphere for Game 3 of the NLDS. 

“When you watch this building the way it was not only [Tuesday] night but for the past month or so, it comes from their heart,” Mendoza said. “It feels like it’s a family, not only inside the building but outside. Like the way Francisco Lindor calls them, ‘Mets Nation.’ They’re amazing. 

“It is a privilege, man, to be able to not only manage this team but connect with the fan base. It’s hard for me to describe. I couldn’t ask for a better fan base, to be honest with you.” 

Mets manager Carlos Mendoza #64 celebrates with his family on the field. Charles Wenzelberg / New York Post

Jeff McNeil is planning to appear in the Arizona Fall League on Friday and Saturday.

The utilityman, who is rehabbing a fractured right wrist, likely will be added to the NLCS roster if his Arizona stint is successful.

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McNeil normally would have headed to Port St. Lucie for simulated games, but that option wasn’t available with Hurricane Milton wreaking havoc in Florida. 

By ending the series on Wednesday, the Mets have plenty of options for aligning their NLCS rotation, as Luis Severino and Sean Manaea will be on full rest.

Mendoza will also have David Peterson well-rested from the bullpen if a decision is reached to use Kodai Senga for a 2-3 inning start with Peterson behind him in a piggyback role.

The Mets likely are glad the Dodgers and Padres will need a fifth game to decide their series, allowing less rest for the winning team before hosting Game 1 on Sunday.