The New York Mets will take on the Houston Astros in their second spring training game this Sunday at 1:10 p.m. As with yesterday’s lineup to open Grapefruit League play, today’s is a little out of the ordinary.
Mets vs. Astros starting lineup
The lineup card that Carlos Mendoza submitted is as follows:
1) Tyrone Taylor, CF
2) Francisco Alvarez, C
3) Ji-Man Choi, 1B
4) Mark Vientos, 3B
5) Luke Voit, DH
6) Ben Gamel, LF
7) Zach Short, SS
8) Yolmer Sanchez, 2B
9) Alex Ramirez, RF
Jose Butto is going to be on the bump for the Mets. Butto’s name was brought up in discussions about making the Opening Day squad and earning some time in the major rotation after the news about Kodai Senga surfaced. Of course, Tylor Megill, who had the start yesterday, and Joey Lucchesi were the other two front-runners.
There are just two regulars for the Mets scheduled to play today. Vientos will start at third base, with Alvarez behind the plate. Vientos is still vying to be the starting third baseman for the Mets, even though Alvarez is certain to be the team’s everyday catcher. The remaining members of today’s cast are, aside from these two players, interesting to say the least.
Ji-Man Choi and Luke Voit will be involved in some action today. The Mets selected both this summer via minor league deals. Voit is actually on his second stint with the team as he attempts to secure a long-term position on an MLB squad.
The player who will man RF today, Alex Ramirez, is one that deserves some recognition. Last season, he did not have the finest season with the Mets in the minors. He is still trying to establish himself, though, and he might be available if the Mets need him at any point this season.
Starting today’s fight, Tyrone Taylor will want to demonstrate his exceptional defensive skills. Along with Adrian Houser, he was acquired in a trade with the Milwaukee Brewers, and the Mets should be able to utilize him as well as other valuable assets this season.