Nimmo at lead of center talk
PORT ST. LUCIE — As the competition for the leadoff spot and a place in center field continues in Michael Conforto’s absence as he rehabs his shoulder injury, Brandon Nimmo continues to impress.
Nimmo smacked a leadoff homer in the Mets’ 4-2 win over the Tigers on Monday at First Data Field. It was Nimmo’s second homer of the spring.
“I think one of the reasons they think I can be a leadoff hitter is my approach,’’ Nimmo said. “I’m not trying to do anything differently.’’
Through seven games, Nimmo is 7-for-18 with four extra-base hits, which works anywhere in the lineup.
“Especially last August and September, I think they saw this can correlate to the leadoff position,” Nimmo said. “It’s going well so far. They’re looking for someone who gets good pitches to hit and sets the tone for the game. I hope to be that person. I almost feel like its OK to swing at the first pitch now.”
Mickey Callaway said he believes the aggressiveness Nimmo has shown more recently can help.
“He’s a patient hitter,” Callaway said. “He’s always been that. But now it looks like he’s attacking that pitch when he gets it, too. Pitchers know he’s gonna be patient and if they groove one, now he’s gonna attack it. It becomes a dangerous combination.”
Callaway said there’s no exact plan for when to play Nimmo or Juan Lagares in center. Lagares missed time with a hamstring injury and Callaway wants to get him more time at the position.
“We’re still trying to get him stretched out,” Callaway said of Lagares. “He’s a little rusty.’’
Jacob deGrom is slated to face batters Tuesday for the first time since suffering lower back pain. He could pitch in a simulated game or just throw live batting practice. DeGrom and the Mets have insisted they won’t rush him back just to have him pitch Opening Day.
Callaway and pitching coach Dave Eiland want pitchers to face hitters five times before pitching in the regular season.
Amed Rosario, who was pulled from Saturday’s game with left knee irritation, is expected to be back in the lineup against the Astros on Tuesday, but Callaway wants to make sure he is OK when he shows up.