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Try it freePORT ST. LUCIE — Nick Madrigal won’t be an option for the Mets anytime soon.
The infielder, according to manager Carlos Mendoza, has been diagnosed with a fracture to his left shoulder, after leaving Sunday’s exhibition game in West Palm Beach, Fla., with a dislocation.
Madrigal was scheduled to receive a CT scan on Monday to determine his next step.
“It’s going to keep him out for a long time,” Mendoza said. “It’s unfortunate for him that this happened on Day 1 without even getting an at-bat.”
Madrigal, playing at shortstop on Sunday, charged a grounder and fell as he threw off balance.
Mets infielder Nick Madrigal (11) fields a throw from the catcher on a stolen base attempt against the Nationals on Feb. 23, 2025. Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
Madrigal was a strong contender for a backup infielder’s job to begin the season.
The Mets planned to give him plenty of looks at shortstop this spring as a potential backup to Francisco Lindor. Madrigal is primarily a third baseman.
With Madrigal removed from the mix, the Mets will continue to evaluate Luisangel Acuña and Brett Baty as potential backups to begin the season.
Donovan Walton and Jared Young are other possibilities.
Nick Madrigal will be out for “a long time,” according to Mets manager Carlos Mendoza. Corey Sipkin for the NY POSTMendoza said he wants another infielder who can at least finish a game at shortstop behind Lindor if needed.
Baty lacks shortstop experience and may take grounders on the side at the position this spring, but at this point isn’t an option to play there during the Grapefruit League, according to Mendoza.
Blade Tidwell allowed three earned runs over two innings in a 7-4 loss to the Cardinals in Jupiter, Fla.
The Mets traveling squad included Juan Soto, Lindor, Pete Alonso and Mark Vientos.
Tidwell, who is among the organization’s top pitching prospects, featured a sinker that maxed out at 99 mph. He also threw a four-seam fastball, slider and cutter.
Luken Baker blasted a three-run homer on a sweeper in the second inning to inflict the damage against Tidwell.
“He was on the attack the whole time and he was aggressive,” Mendoza said. “I thought he was good.”
Austin Warren and Reed Garrett are among the Mets pitchers scheduled for Tuesday in West Palm Beach, Fla., against the Astros.
