PORT ST. LUCIE — Carlos Mendoza spent Saturday morning in his Clover Park workplace informing a handful of gamers that they’d not make the workforce out of camp. Catcher Jakson Reetz, infielder Donovan Walton, right-handed starter Jose Ureña and relievers Genesis Cabrera and Chris Devenski had been all instructed they’d not be touring to Houston for Opening Day with the Mets, and as a substitute would begin the season with Triple-A Syracuse. The membership expects that each one will stay within the group.
Nevertheless, infielders Luisangel Acuña, Brett Baty and catcher Hayden Senger should not locks to make the workforce. The Mets are holding spots open within the occasion they make a waiver declare or a commerce over the following few days. The trio will probably journey to Houston and work out with the workforce Wednesday earlier than the Mets make their ultimate few selections.
Senger is aware of he’s near reaching his dream, however he’s not prepared to let himself get too excited but.
“I think I’m pretty even keeled right now,” Senger stated Saturday. “I’m not really focusing on that, just focusing on the day-to-day.”
When Francisco Alvarez went down with a damaged hamate bone, Senger instantly acknowledged the chance in entrance of him. On the time, he was competing for the backup catcher function with Chris Williams and Reetz, however the pitching workers has extra of a familiarity with the homegrown Senger and the Mets have at all times been excessive on his receiving, framing and blocking talents.
Senger was named the group’s minor league catcher of the 12 months in 2023. On the time, he was coming off a dismal offensive season. He hit simply .188 with a .295 OPS with Double-A Binghamton that 12 months and was feeling down about himself, which made the award significant for him, even when it was a defensive award.
“It boosted my confidence a little bit,” Senger stated. “And showed that they care about me.”
Senger has by no means been identified for his bat, however he did hit a house run Saturday in opposition to the Washington Nationals. Admittedly, his offensive struggles wore on him, however he by no means allow them to have an effect on his catching.
“I always keep everything separate, hitting and defense,” Senger stated. “Like, once my mask goes on, like, no more thoughts about hitting. It’s about the pitcher and getting him through the inning.”
As a backup catcher, the Mets place the next worth on his protection and receiving talents than on his bat, however Senger has spent the spring engaged on making a extra stable strategy on the plate. He hit simply .143 in Grapefruit League play, however he minimize down on his chase charge and hit fastballs exhausting, seeing some good progress.
Behind the plate, Senger has been extra athletic this spring. Working with minor league catching coordinator Bob Natal and Syracuse bench coach J.P. Arencibia on being a “shortstop” behind the plate together with his footwork, arm angles and anticipatory instincts.
Barring a waiver declare, Senger will make the workforce.
The waiver wires are typically considerably lively within the instant days following the conclusion of spring coaching with groups making ultimate roster cuts. Trades should not unusual both, and veteran gamers on minor league contracts with the power to choose out accomplish that round this time.
BULLPEN BATTLE
Proper-handed relievers Jose Butto and Reed Garrett shall be on the Mets’ Opening Day roster, as will left-hander Danny Younger, which leaves some doubt about whether or not left-hander A.J. Minter and/or Dedniel Nuñez shall be lively to start out the season. Butto and Garrett weren’t on the bubble, however Younger was. It’s a feel-good second for the trio, who’ve by no means skilled a giant league Opening Day.
Minter threw one inning Saturday in a 5-5 Grapefruit League tie with the Nationals, and can pitch once more Monday in opposition to the Yankees. Nuñez can even pitch Monday, which might be his third spring look. The Mets beforehand stated they needed him to make it by means of at the very least three outings.
The Mets received’t make ultimate roster selections concerning pitching till they see how Nuñez and Minter really feel Tuesday.
“If he’s in a good spot, that’ll do it for us,” Mendoza stated of Minter.
The identical goes for Nuñez.
Proper-hander Paul Blackburn pitched on a backfield Saturday, utilizing 82 pitches over 5 innings. The Mets haven’t determined whether or not to start out him within the bullpen or put him within the rotation instantly.
MAJOR LEAGUE MEGILL
Proper-hander Tylor Megill made his ultimate Grapefruit League begin Saturday, ending the spring slate with a 4.42 ERA in 4 begins. In opposition to the Nats, he allowed three earned runs on six hits, walked two and struck out 5 over 5 1/3 innings. The stuff was good, with Megill getting 12 swings and misses and touching 97 MPH together with his fastball. He threw plenty of fastballs, and went heavy on the slider and sinker, the pitch that circled his season final September.
Megill has not been instructed something about his function transferring ahead. The Mets haven’t but determined what and proceed with Blackburn, Megill and right-hander Griffin Canning. Proper-hander Max Kranick has additionally sophisticated the image with a robust spring, which might imply the Mets possibility Megill to Triple-A to start out the season.
The opposite state of affairs can be utilizing Canning and Megill within the rotation, and utilizing Blackburn out of the bullpen early, earlier than transferring him to the rotation because the sixth man.
Initially Printed: March 22, 2025 at 5:15 PM EDT
