Notable items during the Mets’ Grapefruit League action on Wednesday:
Correspondents
Jorge López and Shintaro Fujinami, two relievers who have produced mixed results this spring but could play a central role for the Mets behind their high-leverage arms in the bullpen, pitched one inning each, did not allowed no hits and combined for four strikeouts. .
“Spring training was a little hectic, but I feel better, physically good, and tonight I felt really good on the mound,” Fujinami said through a translator. “Very happy with that.”
Mets reliever Shintaro Fujinami throws to first base during a recent spring training game. Jim Rassol-USA TODAY Sports
Jorge López Corey Sipkin for the New York Post
To mislead
The Mets blew a 5-1 lead in the ninth before Joe Suozzi – the son of New York Rep. Tom Suozzi – hit a game-ending sacrifice fly to seal their victory.
Caught my attention
Mark Vientos launched his third home run of the spring, crushing a 411-foot sweeper to left center in the eighth. He has four hits in his last four games – including two home runs – while struggling to make the Mets’ lineup at third base or as a designated hitter.
When Vientos scored Sunday, it went over the right-field fence and wouldn’t have been a home run in any MLB ballpark.
This time, however, his blast reportedly cleared the fences in the 30s, according to Baseball Savant.
“I feel like I’m walking around here with a chip on my shoulder and I feel like I always have to prove twice,” Vientos said, referring to a “narrative” that has followed him since he started playing baseball.
Thursday program
José Butto makes his second start – and fourth appearance overall – when the Mets face the Cardinals in an afternoon game at Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium.
Austin Adams, Brooks Raley and Yohan Ramírez should follow out of the bullpen.
2024-03-14 06:06:55
#Mets #relievers #battling #bullpen #spots #strong #outings
