PORT ST. LUCIE — Among position players, the Mets continue to monitor Brandon Nimmo the closest heading toward Thursday’s season opener.

The outfielder is “better,” according to manager Buck Showalter, following a cortisone injection for a stiff neck, but Nimmo’s availability for Thursday is still wait-and-see.

Nimmo last played on Sunday. He received the injection on Monday, according to Showalter.

The Mets brought insurance with them to Washington: Travis Jankowski broke camp with the team and, barring a setback to Max Scherzer that might require a 15th pitcher, will be added to the Opening Day roster. The former Stony Brook University standout provides outfield depth and a pinch runner for the late innings.

Showalter used Mark Canha in center field on Monday and could go that route, with Dominic Smith or Jeff McNeil in left field, if Nimmo isn’t ready. Showalter has wanted to keep Starling Marte in right field to get him adjusted to the new position.

Joely Rodriguez won’t be lost in the shuffle with the Mets.

The lefty reliever, acquired in a trade over the weekend that sent Miguel Castro to the Yankees, said the volume of left-handed relievers in The Bronx may have limited his opportunities there, but he expects chances with the Mets.

Rodriguez and Chasen Shreve will open the season as lefty options in the Mets bullpen.

“It’s not the first time I have been traded before, but I am excited for the opportunity I have here,” Rodriguez said. “I feel I have an opportunity to pitch because with the Yankees there were more lefties, and here there aren’t as many so I think I will have that opportunity.”

Rodriguez appeared in 52 games combined for the Rangers and Yankees last season, pitching to a 4.66 ERA. He was much better for the Yankees, pitching to a 2.84 ERA over 21 appearances.

Rodriguez said a mechanical adjustment was responsible for his improvement with the Yankees.

“When I got [to the Yankees] they were telling me I was doing something a little bit different than something I was doing in 2020 that was giving me better results,” Rodriguez said.” So when we started working on that, thankfully we were able to correct those and make those adjustments.”

*

The Mets are scheduled to hold a midafternoon workout at Nationals Park. There is rain in the forecast each of the next three days beginning Wednesday.