Rosario continues to impress amid extra workload

PORT ST. LUCIE — Amed Rosario isn’t a candidate to break camp with the Mets, but he is receiving an extended look this spring.

The stud shortstop prospect continues to get plenty of reps and impress team officials with his play. On Saturday, he went 1-for-2 in the Mets’ 6-0 exhibition loss to the Nationals, as Asdrubal Cabrera received a rest. Rosario has been playing on a regular basis lately, because of split-squad games and the scarcity of options at shortstop with Jose Reyes now considered a third baseman.

“There is no doubt in my mind [Rosario] would like to walk into my office, which he won’t do, and ask for a day off because he’s out of gas,” manager Terry Collins said.

Rosario is 8-for-27 (.296) this spring and has excelled defensively.

“He’s shown me everything that needs to be seen,” Collins said. “He hasn’t hit for power in camp, but you know he’s got it. He’s got great hands, he’s got great poise on the field and he loves to play, got great energy. He’s going to be a good player.

“He’s just got to go out and do what all good players do and that’s get out there and play 140 games in the [Pacific] Coast League and put up huge numbers, and you’ve got a pretty good looking prospect in the wings.”

Steven Matz has joined Noah Syndergaard in making it a point of emphasis this spring to prevent baserunners from stealing bases.

“I feel real comfortable on the mound, even with runners on, which is a good sign,” Matz said after allowing an unearned run on three hits over three innings.

“It’s just something I’ve been working on. My live batting practice sessions, especially, I have been working with runners on. I feel like I’m getting used to it. I feel comfortable out there.”

Dominic Smith was among the players reassigned to the Mets’ minorleague camp. The 21-yearold Smith, a first baseman, lost 24 pounds in the offseason, but that didn’t translate into a better stroke at the plate this spring.

“He didn’t hit like he normally does,” Collins said, referring to Smith’s .185 batting average in the Grapefruit League. “The thing I was most impressed with was he came to camp in great shape. That was impressive for a young guy.”

Also reassigned to minor league camp were P.J. Conlon, Phillip Evans, Luis Guillorme, Kevin McGowen, David Roseboom, Champ Stuart, Corey Taylor and Logan Taylor.