Terry Collins spoke to reporters at Citi Field and had some interesting things to say.
On Retaliation For Ruben Tejada:
Collins doesn’t think the umpires will issue warnings before tonight’s game. But he expects them to let both teams know there will be no “bullshit” tolerated.
“After Saturday night, I have a big challenge tonight. I’ve gotta keep things under control.”
“We cannot let our emotions take over here. We’ve got to let the past go. We have to play the game like we know how.”
Collins spoke privately with Matt Harvey and basically told him, “We’re not throwing at anyone. We have to worry about the game, and not retaliation right now.”
“We can’t just give a game away to show Ruben were backing him up. If Harvey gets ejected in the second inning, we’re in trouble.”
Shortstop Situation:
Collins confirmed that Ruben Tejada‘s fibula was a clean break so no surgery will be required. He will be getting another x-ray at Citi Field today and hopes he’ll be part of the pre-game ceremonies. Wilmer Flores is the starting shortstop. Matt Reynolds is only insurance.
On Game 4 Starter:
On Sunday, the headlines everywhere read, Collins Makes It Official: Steven Matz To Start Game 4. Less than 24 hours later, manager Terry Collins backpedaled and said it’s not a given that Steven Matz starts Game 4 if they lose Game 3. It could be Jacob deGrom on short rest, but he doesn’t know how he feels about that.
How Deep Will Matt Harvey Pitch?
Terry Collins says he’ll look at Matt Harvey at 110 pitches to see where he is. Definitely no more than 120.
On If He’d Rather Face Clayton Kershaw or Alex Wood in Game 4:
“What are you a fucking moron?” Okay, I made that last response up…
