NLDS News: Mets Manager Terry Collins Wants Focus To Be On Winning

All eyes will be on New York Mets starter Matt Harvey as he faces the Los Angeles Dodgers in a pivotal Game 3 of the National League Division Series Monday night at Citi Field. With the series tied at one game apiece, the winner will be a win away from reaching the NL Championship Series.

Additionally, there is added intensity to Monday’s game in the wake of Chase Utley’s controversial slide that broke Ruben Tejada’s leg in Game 2. While some thought the play was dirty and malicious, it was deemed as legal and there was no original repercussions on Utley.

However, he was suspended for two games on Sunday. Utley then appealed the suspension, and is available for Game 3 as he awaits a hearing. While Harvey’s comments led to believe he might retaliate, Mets manager Terry Collins wants his club to focus on the bigger picture, according to David Vassegh of AM 570:

Terry Collins "We need to not worry about retaliating, we need to worry about winning"

— David Vassegh (@THEREAL_DV) October 12, 2015

Collins understand the importance of the swing game and doesn’t want Harvey to focus on the animosity:

Terry Collins: "The minute we turn this in to a grudge match, we'll make mistakes"

— David Vassegh (@THEREAL_DV) October 12, 2015

Added to story line was the possibility of Utley starting against Harvey. The second baseman isn’t in the Dodgers’ lineup, which Collins was surprised by, according to Dylan Hernandez of the LA Times:

Terry Collins on Utley's exclusion from lineup: "I'm a little surprised."

— Dylan Hernandez (@dylanohernandez) October 12, 2015

In 18 career at-bats against the Harvey, Utley has six hits including a double and a home run. He thus far is 1-for-2 in the NLDS with both at-bats coming as a pinch-hitter.