Michael Conforto in Mets’ lineup for first spring training game
NY Mets outfielder Michael Conforto during a spring training workout, Tuesday Feb. 20, 2018 in Port St. Lucie, FL. Credit: Newsday / Alejandra Villa
PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. — Is Michael Conforto going to make it into the Mets’ Opening Day lineup after all?
Conforto is in the lineup for his first official spring training game on Friday when the Mets host the Cardinals at First Data Field. Conforto is the leadoff batter and designated hitter.
The Mets open the regular season on Thursday at Citi Field against the Cardinals. Conforto is coming back from shoulder surgery. He was originally expected to be ready for the season around May 1.
Conforto has been playing in minor league exhibition games. He hit for the cycle in one of them on Thursday and played seven innings in centerfield.
“I don’t know,” Conforto said when asked about Opening Day. “This is certainly a step in the right direction. I really couldn’t tell you. I’m just excited about today to be with the team and actually get in a big-league game.”
Conforto said manager Mickey Callaway called him Thursday night and said the Mets had an opening at the DH spot for Friday.
“Mickey said, ‘Do you want to take it?’ “ Conforto said. “I said, ‘Absolutely.’ I wasn’t going to say no.”
Conforto, 25, dislocated his left shoulder and tore the posterior capsule on a swing on Aug. 24. He had surgery and was held back from major league spring training until Friday.
“After [Thursday], I felt like I was ready to jump in there,” said Conforto, who estimated he has had about 35 at-bats so far. “I’ve done a lot of at-bats. A lot of at-bats against lefties. I think it’s more just based on how I’m feeling and if I feel on track to be where I was last year. If everything feels right, today will be good.”
Anthony Rieber covers sports media and business and professional sports (you know, games and trades and things). He has worked at Newsday since Aug. 31, 1998, and has been in his current position since Jan. 1, 2026.
