There are two days and three games left of spring training! Over the last few days a few things have become more clear for the Mets. It looks like the Mets will break camp with a six-man rotation consisting of Peralta, McLean, Senga, Manaea, Peterson and Holmes with Tong and Scott both being assigned to Syracuse. Austin Warren was optioned yesterday meaning there are only three players left in camp with a legitimate shot at the last bullpen spot. MJ Melendez was assigned to the Syracuse Mets meaning that Tauchman, Benge or both will make the Opening Day roster. We are so close to the regular season!
Three Things To Watch For:
- Looming Right Field Decision. A few days ago the Mets assigned MJ Melendez to the Syracuse Mets. But who is the right fielder on the Mets? As of right now it looks like there is a possibility that both Carson Benge and Mike Tauchman get added to the 40-man roster to make the spot. One possibility of making sure Brett Baty gets more at bats, is to use him the infield, getting DH time for the Mets plethora of infielders. Both Tauchman and Benge have earned spots on the roster with their performance this month. Tauchman has gone 7-for-28 with three doubles and a home run. Benge has gone 13-for-32 with a double and a triple. The odd man out is Cristian Pache who also had a tremendous spring (13-for-28, 3 2B, 2 HR, SB, .545 OBP).
- Last Bullpen Spot. A few days ago Anthony DiComo reported that there is essentially one spot int he bullpen right now. There are several pitchers who haven’t been assigned to minor league camp yet competing for that last spot including Craig Kimbrel, Bryan Hudson and Richard Lovelady. Hudson just allowed three runs in one inning of relief and has allowed six runs over 3 1/3 innings this spring from five hits and three walks. Lovelady, who started spring with the Nationals, has allowed one run over five innings from five hits and three walks. Both Lovelady and Hudson are on the 40-man roster. Kimbrel is not on the 40-man and has allowed three runs over six innings from four hits and five walks this spring. There is also the possibility the Mets go with no one on this list and sign a pitcher cut from another team.
- Francisco Alvarez. Alvarez was slated to play the full nine innings Thursday night, but left the game in the fourth inning with back tightness. The game was not carried by SNY or Mets Radio, and with the Spring Breakout game happening at the same time we had to wait until after the game to find out that it was precautionary and Alvarez would have played through the injury if it was a normal game. The Mets have a great one-two punch with Alvarez and Torrens on the roster but as soon as one of them goes down, things get a lot murkier and the depth is tested real fast.
Let’s Go Mets!
