Mets trying Brett Baty at different position in spring training
PORT ST. LUCIE — Brett Baty’s work this spring will include a healthy dose of second base.
Last year’s third baseman to start the season, Baty has been displaced at the position by Mark Vientos but team officials still like Baty’s potential to play in multiple spots. Baty began splitting time between second and third base last season at Triple-A Syracuse.
“This is a position (second base) where he played a lot — we want to see it ourselves,” manager Carlos Mendoza said Tuesday.
Baty could also begin playing outfield, but Mendoza said that likely wouldn’t happen in Grapefruit League games.
Baty won’t be alone in receiving evaluation at different positions: Luisangel Acuña will receive looks at third base this spring (he’s also a shortstop and second baseman) and Nick Madrigal will play shortstop on occasion.
Madrigal, who signed last week with the Mets, hasn’t played shortstop in his major league career. Other than Acuña (who isn’t assured a roster spot) the Mets don’t have a backup for Francisco Lindor at shortstop.
Ronny Mauricio won’t play in a spring training game until at least mid-March, according to Mendoza, as he returns from a year off following surgery to repair a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee. Mendoza said the team is encouraged by how Mauricio’s running program has progressed.
Jose Butto will be utilized as a reliever in spring training, according to Mendoza. The right-hander had been a consideration to remain as part of the Mets’ starting rotation depth. Butto began working from the bullpen in July last season and was among the team’s best relievers for the final three months.
A.J. Minter won’t throw his first bullpen of the spring until late February, according to Mendoza, as the lefty reliever takes it slow in his return from hip surgery. Minter underwent surgery last August to repair a hip impingement.
Clay Holmes, in his transition from reliever to starter, is ahead of most of the other pitchers. Holmes – who arrived at the Mets complex about a month ago – is scheduled to throw three innings of live batting practice on Wednesday – the first official workout day for pitchers and catchers.
