JUPITER, Fla. — Andres Gimenez wasn’t the biggest name reassigned by the Mets to minor league camp Tuesday, but he likely has the greatest upside in the group.
The 20-year-old shortstop joined Tim Tebow in collecting his belongings and heading to the minor league complex in Port St. Lucie, on a day Dilson Herrera, Arquimedes Caminero, Rymer Liriano and Ali Sanchez were also reassigned. Relievers Jacob Rhame and Paul Sewald were also sent to the minors.
Gimenez was 4-for-16 (.250) with one homer and two RBIs in the Grapefruit League. He is regarded among the organization’s top prospects.
“He’s a great player and he gained a lot of experience this spring, so if he gets the chance to come up and help us out this year in the major leagues, he’s going to be ready,” manager Mickey Callaway said after the Mets lost 8-1 to the Marlins in an exhibition game.
Gimenez, according to general manager Brodie Van Wagenen, will begin the season at Double-A Binghamton. Last season Gimenez played his final 37 games for Binghamton.
Travis d’Arnaud entered as a defensive replacement behind the plate — his third game at catcher (second in the Grapefruit League) in his comeback from Tommy John surgery.
Van Wagenen noted that d’Arnaud appeared solid rising from a squat in attempting to throw out a base stealer. The Mets are deciding whether they will carry three catchers, but Van Wagenen noted, regarding d’Arnaud: “If he’s healthy, he’s on the team.”
Tim Peterson’s strong Grapefruit League season hasn’t gone unnoticed by team officials.
“He’s been outstanding,” Callaway said. “I think some other guys probably need to take note. He’s been tremendous.”
The right-handed reliever hasn’t allowed a hit in six appearances spanning five innings and has walked only one batter. On Tuesday he pitched a scoreless two-thirds of an inning.
“He comes in today with bases loaded and gets a ground ball, we aren’t able to turn it, but he throws strikes and gets ahead,” Callaway said. “He doesn’t beat himself. He executes pitches and that’s what we’re looking for.”
Peterson, Luis Avilan and Hector Santiago are among the relievers under strong consideration for bullpen jobs.
The Mets will hold a workout in Syracuse on March 26 — two days before their season opener in Washington — the team announced. It comes as the Mets are preparing to unveil their new Triple-A affiliate there next month. The workout will be held at Syracuse University’s Carrier Dome, which has never previously hosted baseball.
Dominic Smith’s torrid spring continued with a 2-for-3 performance for the Mets in their exhibition loss. Smith raised his average to .433 in the Grapefruit League as he battles Pete Alonso for the first-base job.
Tyler Bashlor surrendered four earned runs on five hits in the seventh inning. The righty reliever had previously allowed only one run this spring.
Juan Lagares unleashed a strong throw to the plate, nailing Brian Anderson attempting to score in the first inning.
Wednesday’s schedule: Noah Syndergaard is scheduled for his fourth start of the spring, against the Astros in Port St. Lucie.
