RICK’S OUT TO Porcello, making Mets
PORT ST. LUCIE — The Mets gave fans a taste of what the regular season will look like in the team's splitsquad Grapefruit League opener.
The Amazin's hosted the Marlins at the newlyrenovated Clover Park on Saturday and the lineup — featuring base hits from Jeff McNeil, Michael Conforto and Wilson Ramos — collected early runs.
The split-squad Mets lost to the Marlins, 5-3, and the Cardinals, 2-0, behind Marcus Stroman in Jupiter.
Rick Porcello faced five batters and tossed 17 pitches in his Mets debut, giving up one earned run on two hits with one strikeout over one inning. The right-hander allowed center fielder Monte Harrison to steal second and third base before an RBI single by first baseman Garrett Cooper put the Marlins on the board in the first inning.
“There's definitely some differences in the American League game compared to the National League game. I saw it today, the running game,” Porcello said. “They don't really steal bases that much in the American League. Start paying attention to that more and be prepared for that change in the style of play.”
The New Jersey native signed as a free agent with the Mets on a oneyear contract in December. After winning the 2016 AL Cy Young award, Porcello won 14 games for the Red Sox in 2019. It marked his 10th double-digit win output in 11 major league seasons.
Porcello has enjoyed pitching to his new batterymate this spring. Ramos is focused on catching most of the righty's starts to become familiar with his arsenal — which includes getting on one knee behind the plate to receive the pitcher's low targets.
“I know it was just one in