Battle for bullpen whittles down the field
PORT ST. LUCIE — The Mets’ bullpen to open the season is nearly finalized, with one last decision looming.
Michael Tonkin, Yohan Ramirez and Sean Reid-Foley are the remaining names for two spots in the bullpen, after the team on Saturday removed three others from the mix.
Phil Bickford was designated for assignment, Shintaro Fujinami got optioned to the minors and Austin Adams was reassigned to minor league camp.
Tonkin, Ramirez and Reid-Foley are without remaining options and each would have to clear waivers to remain with the Mets if they aren’t placed on the major league roster. Reid-Foley had arm fatigue last week, but pitched in a minor league game Friday and will receive another opportunity in the Grapefruit League on Sunday.
Ramirez had his first rough outing of the spring on Saturday, when he allowed two earned runs on two hits and one walk over two innings in the Mets’ 13-5 exhibition loss to the Astros at Clover Park.
Tonkin hasn’t allowed an earned run in his five appearances in the Grapefruit League this spring. Reid-Foley hasn’t allowed an earned run in four appearances.
➤ Ji Man Choi and DJ Stewart both remained in camp as the Mets try to decide on a possible left-handed bat to come off the bench. Choi can opt out from his deal if he isn’t placed on the major league roster to begin the season. Stewart has a minor league option remaining.
Luke Voit, Jose Iglesias and Tomas Nido were informed Saturday that they won’t be on the roster. All three will continue in camp until it concludes Monday.
➤ Manager Carlos Mendoza announced his pitching alignment to begin the season behind Opening Day starter Jose Quintana and Luis Severino for Game 2. The rest: Tylor Megill, Sean Manaea and Adrian Houser in succession. Megill was named to the rotation last week, as Kodai Senga will begin the season on the IL.
➤ The Mets will play their final game of the spring at Clover Park on Sunday against the Nationals (a split-squad will face the Marlins in Jupiter) before bussing to Tampa in the early evening. The Mets will face the Yankees on Monday and then fly to New York.