See the New York Mets’ Opening Day lineup: Cespedes is fifth and Cano sixth

New York Mets, Robinson Cano
Jul 13, 2019; Miami, FL, USA; New York Mets second baseman Robinson Cano (24) celebrates after his two run home run in the eighth inning against the Miami Marlins at Marlins Park. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports

The New York Mets are set to host the Atlanta Braves in the first series of their MLB season at Citi Field. Play ball is scheduled for this afternoon at 4:05 p.m. ET, and Jacob deGrom will be tasked to keep the Braves offense at bay, squaring off against young phenom Mike Soroka.

Mets manager Luis Rojas has already published the lineup for today’s game. It is as follows:

  • Brandon Nimmo, CF
  • Jeff McNeil, 3B
  • Pete Alonso, 1B
  • Michael Conforto, RF
  • Yoenis Cespedes, DH
  • Robinson Cano, 2B
  • JD Davis, LF
  • Wilson Ramos, C
  • Amed Rosario, SS

The Braves are countering with this lineup:

  • Ronald Acuna Jr, RF
  • Ozzie Albies, 2B
  • Freddie Freeman, 1B
  • Marcell Ozuna, LF
  • Matt Adams, DH
  • Austin Riley, 3B
  • Dansby Swanson, SS
  • Ender Inciarte, CF
  • Alex Jackson, C

The Braves are extremely short in the catcher position, as both Travis D’Arnaud and Tyler Flowers are presenting COVID-19 symptoms even though they tested negative for the disease.

Soroka was a road warrior last season, his rookie year, after having a shiny 1.55 ERA in 16 starts out of his home stadium. He will try to keep up that performance level against a very tough Mets lineup that is virtually at full strength.

The Mets are thin at the rotation, but loaded with bats

The New York Mets, meanwhile, are decimated in their starting rotation. They lost Noah Syndergaard months ago to Tommy John surgery, and Marcus Stroman to a calf issue.

DeGrom will likely be limited to around 85 pitches as a maximum, as he had to deal with a back thing that is now in the rearview mirror.

Yoenis Cespedes will make his first appearance for the Mets since July 2018, after losing the last season while dealing with heels and ankle surgery. He will be the team’s primary designated hitter, but could eventually see some starts in left field as he gets he gets close to 100 percent form.