Mets’ 1st injury concern of spring
PORT ST. LUCIE — The Mets’ first precautionary MRI exam of spring training will occur even before the team plays a Grapefruit League game.
Jed Lowrie has been bothered by left knee soreness, limiting him in workouts this week and prompting the Mets to send him for evaluation that will include an MRI on Thursday. The 35-year-old Lowrie said the discomfort stems from “ramping up” his workouts.
“The f irst time I fe l t it there was a fair bit of pain, and then it’s kind of re mained the same,” Lowrie said Wednesday.
Lowri e was asked about his concern level.
“We need to figure out what’s going on first before we start worrying about how concerned,” he said.
Lowrie, who arrived on a twoyear contract worth $20 million this offseason, has been tracking pitches in the batting cage, but is refraining from defensive drills and running. The Mets open their Grapefruit League season Saturday against the Braves.
“Our goal for Jed is to get him ready for the start of the season,” manager Mickey Callaway said. “At this point we are going to take care of him and make sure he’s in a good spot.”
The Mets have plenty of infield options behind Lowrie, including Todd Frazier and J.D. Davis, who can play third base. Frazier and Davis also figure into the first-base mix, but rookie Peter Alonso will receive strong consideration for the position, with Dominic Smith also in the mix.
Adeiny Hechavarria, T.J. Rivera and Luis Guillorme are other backup infielders in camp, behind starters Robinson Cano and Amed Rosario. The Mets also have Jeff McNeil as an infield option as he prepares to begin the season in left field.
Callaway indicated most players need 50-60 at-bats in spring training to prepare for the season, but Lowrie previously told him he usually needs about 40.