Mets Notes: Edwin Diaz’s potential spring debut, Trayce Thompson a 'pleasant surprise'
Here are the latest Mets notes as spring training rolls on...
When will Edwin Diaz pitch in an actual game?
Diaz continues to make his way back into an actual game and he took another step towards that on Friday.
The Mets closer threw another live batting practice session against four batters. Manager Carlos Mendoza said that Diaz “felt good” and he liked his velocity and how his sliders looked.
When asked what Diaz’s next steps are, the Mets closer is just about ready to get on the mound for a spring training game for the first time. Mendoza revealed that they’ll see how Diaz’s body recovers from Friday’s live BP and if all is well, he’ll pitch either Monday or Tuesday.
“He means a lot,” Mendoza said of what Diaz means to this team. “When you have a guy like that in the ninth inning when you have a lead, you feel really good about your chances… I know it was a big loss for this team last year but we’re excited now that he’s back healthy and on the right track.”
The Mets are home Monday against the Marlins before hitting the road to take on the Nationals on Tuesday.
Trayce Thompson a ‘pleasant surprise’
One of the notable new Mets this spring training is Thompson. The 32-year-old veteran has been showing off in camp so far and Mendoza has noticed.
“He’s been a pleasant surprise,” Mendoza said of Thompson. “I’ve seen this guy play in the big leagues now for a few years. We know the tools. He’s off to a great start.
“I know he’s working on some things offensively with our hitting coaches and the fact that he’s seeing results early in camp is good to see. Great guy, good athlete, he can play defense and now we see what he can do offensively too.”
Thompson is 5-for-10 with two home runs while driving in six runs in parts of six spring games so far.
A career .212 hitter, Thompson is showing something more to the Mets in camp and Mendoza says he’s been working on being “short and direct” to the ball and so far, it’s producing results.
He played five innings on defense today. He ran the bases. Getting the ups and downs and the plan is for him to swing the bat tomorrow.
Mendoza is excited about Nate Lavender
Among the reassigments from spring training on Friday was LHP Nate Lavender.
The southpaw had a lot of buzz surrounding him when camp started and did not disappoint. In just two innings of work, the 24-year-old was perfect while striking out four batters.
Mendoza was aware of Lavender before coming to the Mets, and seeing him in person did not disappoint.
“I heard about his name when I first took the job and watching him pitch, so much conviction. He’s not afraid to attack hitters, and that stood out,” Mendoza said. “He’s going to go down now and get ready for the season and I’m excited about him.”
Last season between Double-A and Triple-A, Lavender pitched to a 2.98 ERA and a 1.20 WHIP while striking out 86 batters over 54.1 innings.
