Juan Lagares’ progress threatens Michael Conforto’s roster spot
New York Mets' Juan Lagares hits a triple against the Atlanta Braves in the first inning of a spring training baseball game, Saturday, March 25, 2017, in Kissimmee, Fla. Credit: AP / John Raoux
PHILADELPHIA — With Juan Lagares moving closer to a return from his strained left oblique, Michael Conforto’s hold on a Mets roster spot could be tenuous.
In his first minor-league rehab game, Lagares went 2-for-3 with a single, a triple, a run scored and an RBI for Class A St. Lucie on Monday. He played five innings in centerfield. Barring any setbacks, Lagares could be back with the Mets at the end of next weekend, manager Terry Collins said.
After a planned day off on Tuesday, Lagares is scheduled to play at least seven innings on Wednesday. Collins said the Mets want Lagares to play in back-to-back games with no issues before rejoining the Mets, for whom he will serve as the team’s fourth outfielder.
In his absence, Conforto has been filling that role, although he is not a natural centerfielder. Conforto was on the bench on Monday night after starting in center and homering Sunday night in a victory over the Marlins.
Said Conforto: “My situation is a day-to-day thing.”
Wright begins throwing
David Wright resumed throwing on Friday for the first time since he was shut down six weeks ago, assistant general manager John Ricco said.
Wright still has a long road ahead. He must regain strength in his shoulder before he can begin throwing at full speed, a hurdle he must clear before he can begin a serious push to get back on the field.
Shoulder weakness has been part of the fallout from the neck surgery that ended Wright’s season last year.
Coming and going
Switch-hitting utilityman Ty Kelly was claimed off waivers by the Blue Jays on Monday. He had been designated for assignment by the Mets to clear a 40-man roster spot for reliever Paul Sewald after Friday’s loss to the Marlins.
Kelly, 27, made his big-league debut for the Mets last season, when he hit .241 in 39 games. He struck out in his only plate appearance for the Mets this season.
The Mets signed utilityman Cody Decker to a minor-league deal. He will be assigned to Triple-A Las Vegas. Decker and Kelly played for Team Israel in the World Baseball Classic.
