Today is the latest in the season I’ve seen the Mets do a split-squad game day. Half the Mets will be home against the National this afternoon while the other half are going to be with the Marlins. Today’s game against the Nationals is the last game in St. Lucie before the Mets head up north. Tomorrow they will make the trip across the state to Tampa and will go to Queens from there.
The lineup in St. Lucie today is so close to the Mets probable starting lineup. The only change is Tyrone Taylor starting in center instead of Harrison Bader. This lineup also includes DJ Stewart who may be the Mets starting DH for the first week or so of the season until J.D. Martinez is ready (in case you missed it, the Mets optioned Mark Vientos earlier this morning).
Three Things To Watch For:
- Luis Severino’s last tune up. Luis Severino is currently scheduled to start the Mets second game of the season next Saturday at Citi Field. He has had a tremendous spring where he has pitched nine innings in major league games allowing one run from five hits while striking out eight and walking no one. A healthy, effective Severino will be huge for the Mets this season as they try to find a way into the playoffs.
- DJ Stewart’s last audition. Stewart did not exactly get a vote of confidence in the press conference this morning. He’s clearly on the roster until the Mets can bring up J.D. Martinez, but Stearns also said the Mets are still open to making a roster change based on players available out of the organization. Stewart has had a lackluster spring, going 6-for-35 at the plate with a homer, but worked enough walks that despite a .171 batting average, he does a .326 on base percentage.
- Still looking for a spring hit. Jeff McNeil had a late start to spring training this season coming back from a bicep injury. Over three games McNeil is 0-for-7 with three walks. Jeff has maximum two games left to record a hit before the start of the season.
Let’s Go Mets!
