Barnes states his case

PORT ST. LUCIE — Jacob Barnes might be peaking at just the right time, as the Mets contemplate their bullpen to begin the season.

On Tuesday, the right-hander faced his stiffest test of the spring, entering in the sixth inning with runners on first and second and nobody out, but escaped without a run scoring. Barnes struck out two in the inning.

METS NOTES

“That is some of the things we want to see at this point,” manager Luis Rojas said after the Mets’ 5-3 victory over the Marlins. “We talk about simulating what we’re going to start seeing from next week, after the opener, and that was a high-leverage situation and him coming in and getting the two strikeouts and the pop-up, coming back after sometimes losing command a little bit.”

Barnes began the Grapefruit League season with a rough inning in which he allowed three runs against the Cardinals. But since then he’s pitched four scoreless innings — the last three without a hit or walk allowed.

If Barnes makes the team, it could come at the expense of Robert Gsellman, who isn’t guaranteed a roster spot, according to Rojas. Gsellman, who has a minor league option remaining, allowed two runs over two innings against the Nationals on Sunday.

➤ Francisco Lindor and Michael Conforto have been at the forefront of the Mets’ contract extension talks, but Marcus Stroman can also head to free agency after this season.

Stroman, who returned to the Mets this season on a qualifying offer, indicated there hasn’t been dialogue between team brass and his representatives about a possible extension.

“We haven’t gone down that road at all,” Stroman said. “I’m open, but I am focused on doing everything I can to help this team win. I think we’re truly special, so my main focus is getting my body, getting my mind ready so I can go out there and be dominant for 30-plus starts. I truly don’t live outside of the moment.”