For their final roster spots, the Mets opted for Young Love.
That’s Jared Young and Richard Lovelady, who won the competitions for the last bench and bullpen spots, respectively. The also-rans in the races — infielder Vidal Bruján, lefty Bryan Hudson and catcher Ben Rortvedt — were designated for assignment.
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Try it freeYoung became the choice in part because the Mets felt they had enough versatility within their position players — Brett Baty and Bo Bichette can move around, and Tyrone Taylor can play all three outfield spots — and in part because the Mets wanted another lefty bat, manager Carlos Mendoza said. Young can serve as a pinch hitter or see time at first base or in the corner outfield.
Jared Young, seen here playing first base during spring training, earned the Mets’ final bench spot. Corey Sipkin for the NY POSTBy not keeping Bruján, the Mets will be asking Bichette to back up Francisco Lindor at shortstop. Bichette had been a declining defensive shortstop with the Blue Jays before the Mets signed him as a third baseman.
The fight between Lovelady and Hudson — who both beat out Craig Kimbrel, who is remaining with the Mets organization in Florida while continuing to throw — was “pretty close,” Mendoza said on the eve of Opening Day at Citi Field against the Pirates.
“What he’s shown for us the past year of going multiple innings, and his ability to get lefties out as well,” Mendoza said of Lovelady, who appeared in eight games with the Mets last season and allowed one run on five hits and three walks while striking out eight in the Grapefruit League.
Lovelady, 30, will join Brooks Raley as lefties in a bullpen that does not yet have southpaw A.J. Minter, who was formally placed on the IL on Wednesday following last year’s lat surgery and is not expected to return before May.
Richard Lovelady, seen here pitching for the Mets last season, won the competition for the team’s final bullpen spot. Corey Sipkin for the NY POSTThe entirety of the Mets’ bullpen: Devin Williams, Luke Weaver, Raley, Huascar Brazobán, Luis García, Lovelady, Tobias Myers and Sean Manaea, who will be available to piggyback at least at the onset of the season.
On Thursday, the Mets will be facing Paul Skenes, who won the NL Cy Young Award last year in his first full season in the majors. The 23-year-old, who pitched to a 1.97 ERA and struck out 226 in 187 ⅔ innings, believes he can keep rising.
“I can do better this year. There are ways to get better,” Skenes said.
How?
“Execute pitches more consistently,” he said.
Skenes was short when asked about the Mets’ lineup.
“They’re a good team,” he said. “Excited to face them.”
Mendoza reiterated what has been a consistent goal for Juan Soto, who was subpar in right field in his first year with the Mets and has shifted to left. The quest for a defensive honor for Soto begins Thursday.
“I think he’s determined and he’s committed to winning a Gold Glove,” Mendoza said.
