PORT ST. LUCIE — Bo Bichette is playing shortstop Friday against the Cardinals. That is about preparing for an emergency — and also provides a clue to how the Mets are going to configure the roster, especially when combined with Ronny Mauricio being optioned to the minors Thursday.

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If the Mets are comfortable that Bichette can slide from his new position at third to his old one at short should Francisco Lindor need a day off or incurs an in-game injury, it would allow them not to carry a utilityman who can hold down that spot if need be, such as Vidal Bruján. Mauricio also was in consideration to fill that role before being demoted.

Carlos Mendoza and Bichette discussed his playing short just to see a few days ago and Bichette said he was “excited” to do it to give the Mets alternatives. If the Mets believe Bichette can back up at shortstop, then you can begin to more confidently connect the dots that Mike Tauchman will make the Opening Day roster and Carson Benge will be the starting right fielder.

This is all part of a puzzle in configuring an Opening Day roster, one faced by all front offices. It is not often an organization will leave spring training with their 26 best players. There are many considerations for someone like David Stearns to factor, including: