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Mark Vientos gets first look at first base in spring game.
Summary
Mark Vientos started at first base in a spring game after making 12 major-league starts there previously, and Mendoza said the Mets have been working with him at the position.
Content
Mark Vientos started at first base during the Mets' spring game and said getting action there was useful. He has started 12 major-league games at first and 66 in the minors. The move comes as Jorge Polanco is expected to spend time at DH, which could create more opportunities at first. Mendoza said Vientos has been working with infield coach Tim Leiper and bench coach Kai Correa.
Key details:
- Vientos has 12 major-league starts at first base and 66 starts at the position in the minors.
- Mendoza mentioned both Vientos and Brett Baty as a backup platoon option and emphasized Vientos' work around the first-base bag.
- A National League scout said Vientos sometimes tries to do too much at third base and that first base might ease those defensive demands.
- Ryan Clifford hit a combined 29 homers in 579 plate appearances last season between Double-A Binghamton and Triple-A Syracuse and has been working on outfield technique while starting games at multiple positions.
- Cristian Pache signed a minor league deal with the Mets after spending last season with Triple-A Reno and started in center field in the spring game, recording two hits.
- Right-hander Justin Hagenman allowed one run on two hits and three walks in 2 1/3 innings during his spring appearance against the Yankees.
Summary:
Vientos' appearance at first base in the spring game shows the Mets are testing his versatility and giving him extra reps with coaching attention. Other players mentioned in spring action include Ryan Clifford working on outfield play, Cristian Pache on a minor league deal, and Justin Hagenman making a relief start. The extent of Vientos' regular-season time at first base is undetermined at this time.
