They are, in all respects, the team to beat, and even a 3-0 loss to Atlanta at Citi Field Tuesday did little to change that.
They officially lost Joey Lucchesi to Tommy John surgery Tuesday and then, hours later, starter Marcus Stroman left the game with left hip discomfort.
Their bullpen is depleted after Robert Gsellman and Jeurys Familia were shipped to the injured list Monday, and their bench was nearly non-existent after Monday’s doubleheader also claimed Jonathan Villar and Tomas Nido, who are day-to-day.
Acting general manager Zack Scott, who spoke before the game, said they’ve found ways to weather the storm before and they’ll do so again, using both internal and external options.
It could be finding a starter, it could be going with quote-unquote bulk guys to get you through some innings.
After throwing three pitches to Austin Riley in the second, Stroman summoned Rojas and assistant trainer Joseph Golia.
Diaz allowed two walks and a single to load the bases but he struck out the next three to squirm out of the no-out, bases-loaded jam.
Meanwhile, Atlanta starter Charlie Morton carried a no-hitter into the fifth, when Eickhoff, who hadn’t registered a hit since 2017, singled on a swinging bunt.
“They’re tough,” Rojas said of the injuries.