Mets' Brandon Sproat Navigates Shortened Outing, Manager Mendoza Cites Playoff Urgency

New York Mets right-hander Brandon Sproat made his third big league start on September 20, 2025, lasting just four innings against the Washington Nationals despite throwing only 71 pitches. Manager Carlos Mendoza explained his decision to pull Sproat, citing the Mets' tight playoff race—currently 79-74 and 2.0 games ahead of the Diamondbacks and Reds—and the need to be aggressive. Mendoza noted that while Sproat's first two innings were "nasty" with effective breaking balls and a sinker, a four-run third inning, partly due to defensive miscues, and hard contact from Nationals lefties prompted the early exit. Sproat, who allowed four runs on four hits and two walks while striking out five, expressed frustration over his mistakes but was pleased with his fourth-inning bounceback. He respected Mendoza's decision, acknowledging the need to take it "pitch by pitch" in the majors. Across his three starts, Sproat holds a 3.94 ERA and 1.19 WHIP over 16.0 innings with 15 strikeouts.