Spot, Boone says

appearing in games, Boone said.

“Upping the workload, (Frazier is) getting a lot closer. Another positive step, both him and Ells,” Boone said. “So hopefully maybe this weekend we’ll really start to introduce some baseball activities and then progress from there. But we’re not quite there yet.”

ON SECOND THOUGHT

Boone continues to rave about infielder Tyler Wade, who remains in contention for the second base job.

“I would say so far he’s surpassed (expectations),” Boone said. “I like that he’s made a little adjustment in his stance. I think he’s obviously a little more physical, he’s added strength, so it looks to me that there’s a little more in there swinging the bat than maybe I anticipated.

“The organization kind of raved about his range in the field and what he brings on the base paths, and that’s even surpassed my expectations, too. It’s real speed, obviously, but he’s really instinctual out there, too, which gets me excited…He’s someone that’s come in ready to go and he’s performed.”

INS AND OUTS

Right-handed pitchers Albert Abreu and Jonathan Loaisiga were optioned to Single-A Tampa, while infielder Thairo Estrada was assigned to Double-A Trenton…Luis Cessa, a one-time Mets prospect, will oppose Matt Harvey on Saturday at Steinbrenner Field. Masahiro Tanaka will start Monday night against Minnesota in Tampa…Gary Sanchez ripped his second homer of the preseason.