SPRING FORWARD
Conforto singles as DH, on track for early return
PORT ST. LUCIE — The phone call came late the previous night to Michael Conforto and was succinct: Was he available to DH for the Mets on Friday in a Grapefruit League game against the Cardinals?
On the opposite end of the phone, manager Mickey Callaway knew he probably didn’t have to ask, as Conforto had patiently awaited this opportunity for weeks. So there was Conforto atop the Mets’ lineup Friday at First Data Field, filling a familiar role and trying to prove to team brass his rehab from left-shoulder surgery is complete.
Conforto went 1-for-4 in the Mets’ 5-1 loss, punching a single through the second-base hole in his final atbat, against former teammate Sean Gilmartin. His next step is to face the Cardinals again Saturday, on the road, this time playing the outfield.
“We have progressed quite a bit in the last three-to-four weeks,” Conforto said. “If you asked me at the beginning of spring training I wouldn’t [have] known what to tell you. I am happy with the way things have gone. I am happy my shoulder feels great. I don’t have to really think about it when I am up at the plate, so that is the main thing here.”
Conforto estimated he has received close to 40 at-bats this spring, including minor league games. His expectation is perhaps another 20 atbats would leave him ready for the season.
Even so, general manager Sandy Alderson told The Post it’s “unlikely” Conforto will be considered for a spot on the Opening Day roster, as the club prepares to head north with the tandem of Brandon Nimmo and Juan Lagares in center field.
But the Mets also have come to realize Conforto probably will be ready much sooner than the May 1 timeta- ble established by the club in the offseason.
“I hate to put a timetable on anything because it’s hard to make those assumptions,” Callaway said. “But the way he is progressing now, I would say there is a good shot of that.”
Conforto said last week he fully expected to play in an exhibition game before the end of camp. But earlier this week, Callaway said Conforto would be limited to minor league games. Then came the phone call to Conforto after Thursday night’s game that changed the plan.
It was Conforto’s performance earlier in the day in a minor league game, in which he had hit for the cycle, that convinced team officials he was ready for this next step.
“He’s feeling more comfortable,” Callaway said. “As long as Michael Conforto is comfortable, we want to make sure he is progressing as much as possible. I said, ‘We need a DH for tomorrow. Is that an option for you?’ Everybody cleared him medically and it was exciting.”
Conforto separated the shoulder on a swing last August at Citi Field and underwent surgery to repair the posterior capsule in the joint. After enduring a grueling winter rehab, he arrived at spring training with May 1 as the focus, but that target now appears to be closer.
“I’m not up there thinking about the shoulder,” Conforto said. “I am thinking about trying to stay in the middle of the field, get down on time and have everything working the right way. I just have to get the reps.
“We still have got some timing to get back, but it was good to be back out there with the guys and play in front of the fans and be out here in the big stadium, a lot of good stuff, and it was nice to sneak a hit in there.”