WEST PALM BEACH, Florida – As a former All-Star who came out of a disappointingly limited season of health problems, Dellin Betances could be the most analyzed Mets doctor in the camp.
The right-hander struggled in his Grapefruit League debut last week, but showed improvement on Monday, allowing an undefeated run in the fourth inning of the Mets’ 9-5 loss to the Nationals.
“I felt like I would have attacked the attack zone for the most part today,” said Betances, whose fastball was mostly in the 90-92 mph range, with a pitch that hit 94. ” It’s something I have to keep doing and make sure my tones are more consistent. ”
Betances allowed a double double to Starlin Castro before Alex Avilia hit a ground in the change that should have been the third exit. But JD Davis threw it, allowing the race to score.
Training last spring, Betances was returning from a torn Achilles and may not have been ready if the season started on time. He missed most of September after slipping a wide.
“I like his stuff better than last season,” said a major league talent appraiser. “I think his speed will increase until the opening day.”
Carlos Carrasco has launched a simulated game in Port St. Lucie and will play for the first time in an exhibition game this spring, either this week or early next year, according to manager Luis Rojas. The Mets will send Taijuan Walker to the mound on Tuesday for his first show, and Jacob deGrom is scheduled for Thursday, after an empty day on the schedule.
Dominic Smith started at first base, playing a position for the first time this spring, as Rojas aims to gradually increase his activity. Rojas has indicated that most of Smith’s action this spring will come in the left field, which seems to be becoming his main position in the absence of a universal DH.
Jordan Yamamoto mishandled Juan Soto’s ground in the first half for an error, leading to the two (undefeated) races that scored against him for that day. The left threw three innings and allowed three shots and a walk. Yamamoto competes for fifth place in the Mets rotation with David Peterson and Jonathan Lucchesi, among others.