ATLANTA — Dan Warthen did not want to be quoted on Friday, having no interest in becoming a story. That’s admirable, but impossible — you can’t fade into the background when you’re this important to everyone in the room.
When the game began, Steven Matz served as a reminder of why Warthen’s return from a health scare was the day’s most significant development, more than Matz’s win, more than Yoenis Cespedes’ latest home run.
The Mets pitching coach missed Thursday’s game after an accelerated heartbeat sent him from the clubhouse to the hospital, spooking the many pitchers who trust and adore him.