MLB

Phil Bickford has another strong outing in bid for Mets’ bullpen spot

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Published March 21, 2024, 2:37 a.m. ET

Noteworthy items during the Mets’ Grapefruit League action on Wednesday:

Bickford booming

Phil Bickford pitched a scoreless sixth inning with one strikeout in the Mets’ 6-3 exhibition victory over the Marlins in Jupiter, Fla.

The right-hander, a candidate for a bullpen vacancy, had a rough first outing in camp, but hasn’t allowed an earned run in his last four appearances.

Phil Bickford, sticking out his tongue during an outing earlier this spring, pitched a scoreless inning in the Mets' 6-3 exhibition win over the Marlins.
Phil Bickford, sticking out his tongue during an outing earlier this spring, pitched a scoreless inning in the Mets’ 6-3 exhibition win over the Marlins. AP

Choi nosedive

Ji-Man Choi went 0-for-4 with three strikeouts.

The veteran first baseman, who is a consideration for a DH/bench role, has slumped after a hot start to camp.

He owns a .679 OPS in the Grapefruit League.

Caught my eye

Brandon Nimmo was the only member of the starting lineup on the traveling squad.

The Mets have a two-game swing across the state to Lakeland and Tampa (Tigers and Yankees) over the next two days and plan to send many of their starters.

Thursday’s schedule

Dom Hamel is lined up to face the Tigers in Lakeland, Fla. Austin Adams and Michael Tonkin are also scheduled to pitch.