Carlos Mendoza picks Phillies over M's: NL East roundup

No games were on the schedule in the NL East, but there was still movement on the coaching front involving a familiar name in the division. The biggest news of the day centers on a former Mets skipper crossing over to join a divisional rival.

Phillies land Carlos Mendoza for third base coaching role

The Philadelphia Phillies have hired Carlos Mendoza to be their third base coach earlier this week. MLB Trade Rumors notes that this was a notable addition, as other clubs were also involved in pursuit of the former New York Mets manager.

Citing reporting from Jorge Castillo of ESPN, MLB Trade Rumors reports that Mendoza was in the mix for the Seattle Mariners’ managerial vacancy. He ultimately pulled his name from consideration to take the job in Philadelphia instead. For the Phillies, who finished at 88-74 and sit second in the NL East standings, it represents an experienced addition to an already competitive staff.

For the Mets, a familiar face stays in the division

From the New York Mets’ perspective, coming off a 74-88 season, the move underscores another step in turning the page. Described in the headline as their former manager, Mendoza will now remain a presence in the NL East, but in a different dugout and in a third base coaching capacity. With no other reported hires or roster moves, the day’s storyline for New York is mostly about that connection to a rival club’s staff.

NL East standings unchanged on an off day

With no games played, the standings remain the same: the Atlanta Braves sit comfortably on top at 94-68, followed by the Phillies at 88-74. The Washington Nationals are at 77-85, the Miami Marlins at 80-82, and the Mets at 74-88. On a quiet day on the field, coaching decisions like Mendoza’s are what shape the medium-term competitive picture in the NL East.