Observations of the Mets spring training game on Monday.
Big bat
Albert Almora Jr.’s highlights this spring came mostly with his glove, but on Monday he hit a three-race home run as part of a 3-4 performance in the Mets 5-4 defeat by Astros in West Palm Beach, Fla. Almora, who has already been renamed twice in the Grapefruit League, is likely to be the team’s fifth outfielder to open the season.
Eickhoff His Game
Jerad Eickhoff allowed four strokes and a walk in two innings with relief. The right-hand man – who escaped further trouble by making Jose Altuve play a triple game with loaded bases – pitched to 11.25 ERA this spring.
Caught my eye
The Mets received another solid exit from Mike Montgomery, who launched two shutout entries. Left-handed Montgomery has been mentioned as a possibility in a multi-entry relief / start function. He did not allow a run in three spring performances.
Tuesday Schedule
Marcus Stroman is the Mets’ scheduled pitcher against the Marlins at Port St. Lucie. It will be Stroman’s first time attacking the bat in a game this spring.