HARBOR ST. LUCIE — MJ Melendez has played a variety of positions during his Major League career, but center field isn’t one of them.
To bolster his resume, the 27-year-old got action in center field during winter ball this offseason.
It leaves the Mets with another option other than Tyrone Taylor to sign Luis Robert Jr. to support.
It’s also possible that rookie Carson Benge, who has a chance to crack the roster this spring, will see some action at center.
“I knew center field was something I wanted to implement into my game and it’s something I now feel comfortable being able to do playing all three outfield positions,” said Melendez, who arrived last week on a one-year contract worth $1.5 million.
Last season was a rough one for Melendez, who was selected to the Royals’ minor leagues during a slump in April.
He returned for just 13 at-bats for the remainder of the season.
Melendez finished with a .321 OPS in 23 games.
“It was definitely tough – not something I expected,” Melendez said. “Being eligible was something I hadn’t experienced in the past, so it’s definitely something different. I feel like I was able to learn from it physically, mentally and emotionally and I think it will definitely be better in the future.”
The Mets experimented with the ABS challenge system during live batting practice, with catching instructor JP Arencibia as the plate umpire.
Starting this season, teams will receive two ball and stroke challenges per match (with a challenge retained if a call is overturned).
The system will be unveiled during the trade fair season.
“Everyone will have the freedom to challenge,” manager Carlos Mendoza said. “If they want to challenge, go ahead, but we’re going to figure out who’s right, and then we’ll come up with some guidelines. Right now, it’s pretty fluid.”
Nolan McLean threw 44 pitches over three ups during a live batting practice.
The right-hander is ahead of most Mets pitchers this early in camp as he builds up for the World Baseball Classic.
McLean will pitch for Team USA.
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