Observations from Mets’ spring training on Thursday in Port St. Lucie:
Mid-season form
The Mets want Luis Robert Jr. returns to the form he showed with the White Sox in 2023, when the center fielder hit 38 home runs before his production plummeted over the past two seasons.
On Thursday, he routinely crushed balls in excess of 110 mph during both regular and live batting practice.
“It’s impressive,” said Carlos Mendoza. “He’s done it before when he was healthy.”
Low down
Sean Manaea has been tinkering with his arm slot for as long as he’s been at the Met.
During live BP on Thursday, it appeared the southpaw used an almost side-arm delivery at times.
He’s coming off a rough, injury-plagued 2025 and will no doubt continue to work on his mechanics, but Mendoza is encouraged that the southpaw is finally healthy.
Caught my attention
Kodai Senga didn’t seem to be bothered by anything while working in Thursday’s live BP, a positive sign for the right-hander who has made just 23 starts over the past two seasons.
Senga reached the mid-nineties, something Mendoza called “a very good sign.”
Friday’s schedule
The Mets will have their final practice before Saturday’s Grapefruit League opener against the Marlins at Clover Park.
#Luis #Robert #van #Mets #puts #laser #show #batting #practice #spring #training