WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. – Miguel Castro passed his biggest test of Spring Sunday and increased his chances of starting the season in a prominent Mets Bullpen role.
After Jacob deGrom posted two outs in game five manager Luis Rojas urged Castro to face the Nationals’ best batsman, Juan Soto. The right-handed player knocked out Soto to complete the inning. It was the only batsman Castro faced.
« We want the guys to come in in the middle of an inning, so it’s not the first time we’re in the regular season. So it was the default setting to be like that « , said Rojas after the Mets’ 6-2 victory in the Palm Beaches ball park.
In his five appearances this spring, which comprise 4 ½ innings, Castro has not yet allowed a hit. The Mets bought Castro at close of trade last year and watched as he struggled with his control.
« They think of the different situations it can come in, » said Rojas. “When he got a test like today to enter in the middle of the inning, I knew the bases were empty, but facing Juan Soto at every point in the game is a lot of stress. He came in and threw some nasty pitches there. “
Dellin Betances threw a goalless seventh inning in which he impressed Rojas as he broke off the hill to cover the first base. The right-hander tore an Achilles in 2019, which impaired his mobility.
The planned line-up of the Mets opening day began with the exception of James McCann. Rojas said he stopped McCann so he could work with Joey Lucchesi for the first time on Monday. Tomas Nido started behind the plate for deGrom.
Arodys Vizcaino, who is competing for a bullpen job, has been treated for elbow problems in the past few days. The right-hander is expected to be available over the weekend. Another helper, Drew Smith, has shoulder pain and there is less clarity as to when he could be resumed.
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