As the New York Mets gear up for their final spring training clash against the St. Louis Cardinals, there's a lot to unpack before the regular season kicks off.
The Mets will soon face the Pittsburgh Pirates at home, followed by a trip to St. Louis.
This early-season schedule feels almost like an extension of spring training, given how frequently these teams have already squared off.
Roster adjustments have been a key storyline for the Mets this week. Ronny Mauricio was optioned to Triple-A Syracuse, which clears up some of the infield logjam.
Mauricio was the backup plan for shortstop if Francisco Lindor wasn’t ready to go. With Brett Baty, Mark Vientos, Bo Bichette, and Marcus Semien all in the mix, finding playing time for everyone was a puzzle.
Speaking of Bichette, he’s starting at shortstop today, marking his first appearance there this spring. His experience at the position adds a layer of depth to the Mets' lineup.
Here's how the Mets are lining up:
- Carson Benge - RF
- Tyrone Taylor - CF
- Bo Bichette - SS
- Mark Vientos - DH
- Mike Tauchman - LF
- Vidal Bruján - 2B
- Jared Young - 1B
- Hayden Senger - C
- Antonio Jimenez - 3B
Starting Pitcher: Tobias Myers
And for the Cardinals:
- JJ Wetherholt - DH
- Ramón Urías - 2B
- Iván Herrera - C
- Jordan Walker - RF
- Thomas Saggese - CF
- Yohel Pozo - 1B
- José Fermín - 3B
- Nathan Church - LF
- Brody Moore - SS
Starting Pitcher: Andre Pallante
Game Notes:
Manager Carlos Mendoza provided an update on Francisco Alvarez, who was pulled from the previous game due to back tightness. The good news is Alvarez is feeling better and should be back in action soon.
In bullpen news, the Mets optioned Austin Warren, which bodes well for Bryan Hudson’s chances of making the Opening Day roster.
Three Things to Watch:
- Tobias Myers' Role: Myers, part of the Freddy Peralta trade, is showing he can be more than just a secondary piece. With 9 2/3 innings pitched this spring, allowing only two runs and striking out 12, Myers could be crucial for the Mets, especially in high-leverage situations and as a bullpen saver.
- ABS Challenge Struggles: The Mets have struggled with balls and strikes challenges this spring.
While teams generally succeed 52% of the time, the Mets’ success rate is only 28% when batting and 38% when fielding. Improvement here could be pivotal.
- Catching Depth: With Alvarez’s recent back issue, the Mets’ catching depth is under the microscope.
Luis Torrens is a solid backup, but the team will need more options over a long season. Hayden Senger, despite offensive struggles last year, knows the pitching staff well.
Meanwhile, Ben Rortvedt, who joined the Mets this spring, brings experience from his time with the Twins and Rays.
As the Mets fine-tune their roster and strategies, these elements will be key to watch as they transition from spring training to regular-season play.