Noteworthy items from the Mets’ Grapefruit League action on Sunday:
Making his Mark
Mark Vientos drove a ball over the right-field fence in the second inning for his second home run of the spring during the Mets’ 3-2 loss to the Tigers at Clover Park. It wouldn’t have been a homer at any MLB ballpark, according to Baseball Savant, but the 100.7 mph, 329-foot blast allowed Vientos to follow his two-hit game Saturday with another promising plate appearance as he competes for at-bats — and a roster spot — on the Mets.
Fujinami Falters
Shintaro Fujinami, vying for one of the final spots in the bullpen, couldn’t get through an inning in his second spring appearance — allowing three hits and two runs (one earned) while exiting with a pair of runners on base. He threw 25 pitches. Eleven of his first 15 were four-seam fastballs, but after the Tigers’ Bligh Madris doubled, Fujinami threw cutters or splitters for eight of his final 10 pitches. “I thought the velo was better,” manager Carlos Mendoza said. “He got up to about 97. He just got behind. … I thought with a runner at third base and the infield in, he threw some good splitters. Overall, the stuff was there.”
Caught My Eye
Outfielder Mark Canha, traded from the Mets to the Brewers at last season’s trade deadline, signed some autographs for Mets fans pregame on the field in his return to Clover Park. He played left field for the Tigers and went 0-for-3.
Monday’s Schedule
Tylor Megill starts for the Mets when they host the Marlins at 6:10 p.m,, but the spotlight will focus on closer Edwin Diaz, who will follow Megill on the mound and make his first Grapefruit League appearance of the season.