PORT SAINT LUCIE — Mets Experience New Automatic Ball-Strike System

On Thursday at Clover Park, the Mets took part in live batting practice, making use of umpires. This marked their first encounter with MLB’s new automatic ball-strike system.

Francisco Alvarez successfully overturned a ball call made by Jonah Tong during the practice.

However, Tong faced a setback when he lost his own challenge soon after.

Carlos Mendoza, the Mets’ manager, expressed anticipation for more challenges this spring, mentioning that the team would be aggressive in testing the new rules.

When questioned about how the Mets would adapt to the new guidelines, Mendoza remarked, “Be aggressive. Challenge yourself as much as possible. We aim to see who can handle challenges well.”

The performance during spring training will influence how the Mets navigate the automatic ball-strike system during the regular season.

Mendoza emphasized, “We want our players to be assertive before we finalize any guidelines and strategies.”

On another note, Francisco Lindor spoke to MLB.com regarding owner Steve Cohen’s decision not to appoint a captain. “I respect that,” he said.

Cohen reiterated earlier this week that, under his ownership, there will never be a captain for the Mets.

“There will never be a captain,” Cohen stated decisively.

Lindor reacted thoughtfully, acknowledging the decision as “definitely a Steve, front office type of move.” He added, “Regardless of being named captain or not, I’ll continue my usual approach. This changes nothing for me. I’m glad it’s settled so we can focus on baseball and move forward.”

For quite some time, Lindor, along with Brandon Nimmo and Pete Alonso, had been seen as potential candidates for the position of the franchise’s first captain since David Wright.

Even after Nimmo and Alonso departed the Mets this offseason, many thought Lindor would claim the role. Unfortunately, the shortstop, recovering from a procedure related to a stress reaction in his left hand, won’t assume that legacy.

“I’m just going to focus on baseball,” Lindor said. “A clubhouse is a clubhouse, whether there’s a captain or not. The priority is winning.”

In roster news, Michael Tauchman will have an opportunity to earn playing time in right field after signing a minor league contract earlier this week.

Mendoza noted that Tauchman, a left-handed player who was with the White Sox last season, would compete against right-handed pitchers for a spot.

As for the left field position, with Juan Soto in play, Carson Benge may have a shot at the team this spring. Tyron Taylor and Brett Batty will also be vying for spots.

Mendoza mentioned that Benge, who has limited experience at the Triple-A level, has impressed him with “his ability to control the strike zone.”

“In recent live at-bats, I’ve noted his knack for fouling off tough pitches, particularly when he’s behind in the count. That shows he’s willing to fight,” Mendoza remarked.