Torres' injury makes CF a concern
David Wright during batting practice in Port St. Lucie, Fla. (Feb. 22, 2012) Credit: Newsday/Alejandra Villa
PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. -- Andres Torres is not making progress from his strained left calf and Scott Hairston is only now beginning to swing a bat because of a strained oblique muscle. So the Mets continue to consider their centerfield options for the season opener on April 5.
General manager Sandy Alderson said Torres, who was hurt Tuesday and hasn't improved since, is "touch and go" for Opening Day.
"It's a pretty big piece of the puzzle," Terry Collins said. "We got him to fill a pretty big void for us. With him being out out of the gate and with Scott hurt, we're going to scramble."
Matt den Dekker, who hit 17 home runs in Class A and Double-A last season, played all 10 innings in center Saturday against the Cardinals and went 0-for-3 with two walks. The 24-year-old is batting .136 in spring training.
Den Dekker, who is not on the 40-man roster, is the only healthy true centerfielder in major-league camp. Prospect Kirk Nieuwenhuis is on the 40-man roster but is sidelined with a strained oblique.
Queens native Mike Baxter, a converted first baseman who is batting .361 in spring training, and converted pitcher Adam Loewen (.235) are getting a look.
Collins said Jordany Valdespin, who played second base Saturday and is batting .324, is going to start in center Sunday against the Nationals. Valdespin's professional experience at the position consists of two innings on Thursday.
