Mets Adjusting Spring Training Plans for Brett Baty

In Port St. Lucie, Brett Baty is experiencing some discomfort in his right hamstring, prompting the Mets to limit his activities during early spring training.

This means he won’t participate in the initial exhibition games, and the team is delaying his transition to a utility role in right field.

According to Coach Carlos Mendoza, the hamstring issue arose about two weeks prior during offseason training.

“He had a medical checkup and everything seems fine,” Mendoza shared. “He can catch ground balls and pretty much do all the basics, but there’s no rush to get him in the outfield just yet.”

Baty isn’t the only one facing restrictions. Mendoza mentioned that Luis Robert Jr. will also sit out the opening exhibition games, owing to his history of lower-body injuries.

Additionally, Francisco Alvarez, who showed impressive performance towards the end of last season, will not partake in early exhibition games either. However, all players will continue to engage in full squad training.

Looking ahead, Brandon Waddell is set to start as the pitcher during Saturday’s Grapefruit League opener against the Marlins, as noted by Mendoza. Waddell contributed to the team in 11 games last season, posting a 3.45 ERA.

Mendoza also downplayed any suggestions that Juan Soto appears more relaxed during this spring training than he did last year when he joined the team. “He looks the same to me,” the coach remarked. “There’s been a lot of laughter in the dugout, and it’s clear the players are enjoying themselves.”

Overall, while Baty and a few others take a cautious approach to spring training, the rest of the team seems to be settling into routine as they prepare for the upcoming season.