Mets manager Carlos Mendoza spoke ahead of Monday’s spring training game, taking place at 6:10 p.m. on SNY.
Here are the most important notes…
Brandon Nimmo dealing with knee soreness
Nimmo made his Grapefruit League debut this past Friday, but he’s been out of the lineup the last three days.
The reason? Knee soreness.
“He complained a little bit of knee soreness,” Mendoza said. “Low level of concern. The plan was for him to get some at-bats yesterday, but obviously he didn’t do that. He wasn’t gonna play today. He’s scheduled to play tomorrow, but if we need to take advantage of that extra — he’s going through the workout today.
“Like I said, low level of concern. So hopefully he’s in the lineup tomorrow. If not, we’ll take advantage of the off day and see where we’re at.”
Asked whether this was a new injury or something that often nags Nimmo, Mendoza said:
“I think in the past he’s had some soreness there. But talking to him, talking to the trainers, they’re not too concerned about it.”
Over the last handful of spring trainings, Nimmo has been methodical when it comes to his preparation for the season, often not playing in games until late February or early March.
That approach has paid off, with him playing 151 or more regular season games each of the last three seasons.
Starling Marte expected to play games this week
Marte, who is working through knee soreness of his own and hasn’t yet played games this spring, is “feeling really good,” according to Mendoza.
And if all goes well, he should be in games at some point this week — either on the back fields, in minor league games, or in Grapefruit League games.
“He had a good day yesterday, I think it was. Trainers are encouraged by it,” Mendoza explained. “He will continue to get live at-bats.
“I don’t want to get ahead of myself here, but hopefully we see him in games here in the next few days.”
Marte was limited to 94 games last season due to a knee injury, and played in only 86 games in 2023 after offseason double-groin surgery.
If Marte is ready for Opening Day, he is expected to be a bench player who gets time at designated hitter and in the outfield.
In the event Marte is not ready, one option to replace him on the roster could be Alexander Canario, whom the Mets recently acquired from the Cubs.
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