For Scott, spring outing in Jupiter a good way to start
JUPITER, Fla. — Christian Scott grew up coming to spring training games in Jupiter, sitting in the left field bleachers of Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium where kids congregate with the hope of visiting players tossing up some autographed balls. This spring he was finally able to pitch there, making his first two Grapefruit League appearances at the same ballpark he frequented as a child.
“It’s just kind of a full circle moment for me,” Scott said after the Mets‘ 6-3 spring training win over the Miami Marlins on Wednesday. “When you grow around this area you come to a lot of these games as kids. You still always envision yourself out there so it’s nice to be able to go out there and compete.”
Scott, a rising starting pitching prospect in the Mets’ system, was able to make two appearances in Jupiter this spring, with his second being his first-ever Grapefruit League start. About 30 people were on hand for the occasion, with his parents coming from Coconut Creek and others coming from around the state to watch the former Florida Gator take an important step in his development.
The right-hander allowed only one earned run — a solo shot by Jonah Bride in the third inning. The 11 swings and misses show good execution and sequencing. Scott struck out seven over four innings of work and sat comfortably in the 95-96 range using his four-seam fastball to get ahead and set up his sweeper.
“His low release with ride and velo, it plays up,” said manager Carlos Mendoza. “We saw it today with the way he was attacking hitters and they were having a hard time picking it up. You hear a lot about this kid, but watching him go about it today with the way he threw the baseball, it was exciting.”
Scott throws from a lower arm slot, which adds some deception. He also throws a lot of strikes and commands all of his pitches well.
Scott was reassigned to minor league camp a few weeks ago, so he won’t be making his MLB debut just yet, but late-spring Grapefruit League starts like this still serve a purpose by exposing prospects to Major League hitting and a faster-paced game. These are tests that young players have to pass before getting called up to the big leagues.
Scott will likely start the season in Triple-A, with the big leagues only a call away.
“I’m ready for whatever they have in store for me,” the 24-yearold said. “I’ll go out there and compete at a high level and throw strikes throughout the zone. I have a lot of confidence in my stuff, so you know whenever the call may be, I’m going to be ready for it for sure.”
DIAZ’S NEXT BENCHMARK
Closer Edwin Díaz made his third Grapefruit League appearance Wednesday, looking less dominant than he did in earlier outings. He threw 21 pitches, the most he has thrown since before his knee surgery in 2023 but faced only four batters over ⅔ of an inning and allowed an earned run.
Diaz walked Dane Myers and Christian Bethancourt before getting Trey Mancini to pop up. Meyers and Bethancourt then executed a double steal to put runners on second and third with only one out. Diaz struck out Bride and was then replaced by Wilkin Ramos.
“He was OK,” Mendoza said. “The first two hitters got behind, but I thought he found that rhythm with the last two hitters.”
The Mets planned for him to throw 20 and would have allowed for more, but he’s scheduled to throw again Thursday. Diaz has reached every benchmark in his return from a torn right patellar tendon but has not yet pitched on back-to-back days. He’ll cross that one off the list Thursday when he throws another 10 pitches in a minor league game.
“Everything feels very smooth and my body feels good,” Diaz said. “Let’s see how I feel tomorrow.”
STANDOUT PERFORMERS
Outfielder Brandon Nimmo went 2-for-3 with a double and drove in three runs. … Utility infielder Joey Wendle made his first start at third base this spring, and continued a productive month at the plate, going 1-for-2 with a double, a walk and two runs scored to bring his Grapefruit League average up to .471. … Infielder Zack Short went 1-for-2 with two walks and two runs scored. … Right-hander Phil Bickford logged his fourth straight scoreless outing. The reliever has not allowed an earned run since March 5 and hasn’t allowed a hit in his last two appearances.