The Mets are more than halfway through spring training and there are certainly plenty to talk about with this team.
Whether it’s the addition of Juan Soto and how he fits in with his new teammates to who will make the Opening Day roster, manager Carlos Mendoza is observing and figuring it all out.
Prior to Saturday night’s spring training game against the Marlins, the Mets skipper spoke to the media on a number of topics…
Next step for Kodai Senga
The Mets ace has made just one start this spring but it looks like it’ll be a little longer before we see Senga on the mound for an actual game again.
Mendoza confirmed that Clay Holmes will pitch in Sunday’s game but Senga will pitch in the backfield. Both pitchers are on the same schedule, and when Senga made his lone spring start (March 3), Holmes was pitching in the backfield. This way, both hurlers can get in their reps.
In that aforementioned spring start, Senga threw two scoreless innings, allowing just two hits while striking out two batters. He threw 31 pitches, 20 for strikes.
Max Kranick making a good impression in camp
The Mets have had plenty of pitchers turn heads in camp, but there seems to be one in particular that is making a lasting impression that could see them make the Opening Day roster.
Kranick has dominated this spring, allowing no runs in seven innings pitched across four games. He’s also struck out eight batters and not given up a walk.
“He’s been prett good. Again, yesterday, coming in the middle of the inning, he continues to attack the strikezone,” Mendoza said of Kranick. “Velo continues to stay consistent – the slider and he’s on the attack. He’s putting himself in a really good position here, and he’s an arm that can give you multiple innings out of the bullpen.”
While Mendoza didn’t reveal his cards too much, the 27-year-old Kranick is pitching himself to be in contention for a bullpen spot on the 26-man roster.
Juan Soto fitting right in with Mets
Soto is the big addition to the Mets this offseason, but after stints with the Nationals, Padres and his one season with the Yankees, Mendoza was surprised by how quickly the perennial All-Star has ingratiated himself with his new teammates.
“I didn’t think it was going to be this quick. He fit right in,” Mendoza said. “When the positions players reported, within a couple of days you can see him laughing, making jokes. That was really good to see.
“You watch him in the cages and guys are asking him, questioning and how open he is to sharing his knowledge … watching him go about it, he’s very humble, very open and he’s willing to share everything he’s got. That’s been pretty impressive.”
Mendoza added that, despite the spotlight Soto had on him this offseason and how big of a star he is, he continues to be impressed by the outfielder’s humility.
“Great personality. Very humble. Cares about people and you have to give credit to the guys in that locker room to make him feel that way. He’s making a big transition. And to see him just be the same guys and be relaxed. It seems like he’s been here quite a bit now and he’s only been here three weeks. That says a lot about the person and the quality of human he is.”
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