Mets notebook The early season quest to fill the long relief role

MILWAUKEE — Sunday afternoon in Miami, with Kodai Senga on the ropes in the first inning against the Marlins, the Mets phoned the bullpen and told right-hander Stephen Nogosek to get up and to get on the rubber with a ball, but to hold off on warming up. This is something Showalter does often with his relievers. It serves two purposes: It prevents the pitcher from throwing superfluous pitches and putting unnecessary strain on the arm, as well as it serves to get relievers mentally engaged. “It lets me know it’s time to rock and roll,” Nogosek said. Nogosek later…