Mets focused ahead of emotional series

MIAMI -- With the Subway Series coming up beginning Friday night at Citi Field, Mets manager Luis Rojas wants to make sure his team remains focused and doesn't get caught up in the hoopla that surrounds the big weekend event.

The Mets take on a very different Yankees team that was very aggressive before the Trade Deadline, bringing in Anthony Rizzo and Joey Gallo, along with a few arms, in hopes of catching the Rays in the American League East.

“Yeah, they’ll be different,” Rojas said. “They’re a whole new [team], new personnel in their lineup, pitchers, too. So we expect them to be a little better personnel-wise than the last time we saw them.”

It’s a meaningful series, as both clubs are looking to earn a postseason berth. The Mets have an eye on catching the Atlanta Braves in the National League East and are still in the hunt for the final NL Wild Card spot. And that’s what Rojas hopes is at the top of his players' priority lists.

“We’ve still got to get ready to win the games,” he said. “That’s the bottom line. We’ve got to be ready. We’ll get [to New York] late tonight and be smart about resting and just be ready at the ballpark to get that first game.”

The series opener can be seen live at 7:10 p.m. ET on Friday, free on MLB.TV and MLB Network.

Keeping composure and not letting the moment be too big is what Rojas said will be key this weekend.

“We’ve got to stay confident and stay the same way we approach the game,” he said. “We understand the importance of the series for both teams. Saturday is going to be a special night there.”

That night the Mets will host a 9/11 remembrance ceremony with the club wearing first responder caps during batting practice and the game. Bobby Valentine, who managed the Mets during the 2001 season, and Hall of Famer Mike Piazza are scheduled to appear along with Joe Torre, the Yankees’ manager in 2001.

• 2001 Mets visit firehouse impacted by 9/11

“There’s a lot going on this weekend. We know that,” Rojas said. “It’s nice to be a part of all of it, but at the same time, just play the game. We have to play the same way we prepare.

“It’ll be a great atmosphere at Citi Field. We expect both fan bases to be loud, screaming for their team and getting involved in the game. That’s going to be there, the rush of adrenaline for both teams. It’s going to be like that but we’ve still got to get prepared, control what we can control and bring our best game.

“We have a few games left in the season. We cannot let anything distract us, and not let anything intimidate us.”

deGrom confirms injury status
On Wednesday, team president Sandy Alderson said pitcher Jacob deGrom’s “sprained” elbow injury had “resolved itself.” Thursday, prior to the Mets’ series finale in Miami, deGrom confirmed that in a brief statement to the media. He did not take questions.

“I know what was said, but my ligament is perfectly fine,” said deGrom, who also confirmed that he has been throwing and will continue to build up in hopes of returning sooner rather than later. He hasn’t pitched since mid-July.

“He’s progressing, still doing distance,” Rojas said on Thursday. “He’ll be like at 90 feet tomorrow. I know he did 120 day before yesterday. I think we’re aiming at throwing on the slope soon.”

Syndergaard progressing
Noah Syndergaard was scheduled to complete his third day of throwing on Thursday, according to Rojas.

“He did some drills indoors so he could keep his arm in shape,” Rojas said, “eventually progressing so he can pitch again and face some batters, rehab-wise, and then finding his way to play for us too at the end of the season.”