The Mets will host the Nationals at Tradition Field today at 1:10 PM. Here’s what I am looking at specifically on Saturday…
Lucas Duda makes his Grapefruit League debut.
Duda has been sidelined with a strained intercostal muscle for about a month. He will serve as the team’s designated hitter and bat third. He only started taking batting practice about a week ago and hasn’t played in any minor league games this week, so it will be interesting to see how his swing looks and his body reacts to real pitching.
Michael Cuddyer is in left field.
With Duda returning to the lineup today, the Mets get to see their new acquisition in a position where they expect him to spend much of the year. It’s also a position he hasn’t spent too much time at – he’s only played nine games in his career in left field and not since 2006 while with Minnesota.
Dillon Gee is pitching in relief again.
Gee is among those scheduled to pitch for the Mets this afternoon. He would be making his third relief outing of the spring, and while he has pitched well (two hits in 3.2 innings pitched out of the bullpen), Terry Collins has suggested the transition to the bullpen has been a struggle for Gee.
You can watch today’s game locally on WPIX 11 or on MLB.tv.
Just Mets 