Well, it wasn’t a great game for Mets pitching as the Marlins had 20 hits, including four against starter Johan Santana. He also gave up three runs, one a homer by Dan Uggla, in 2 2/3 innings.
The good news is Santana’s motions seemed fluid and he used all the pitches in his arsenal, which is the more important litmus test than how many runs he gave up in his first game in Spring Training. Santana left after 47 pitches, two more than his imposed limit.
What’s more troubling is the performance of fifth-starter contender and former Washington National Tim Redding. He gave up nine runs in just two innings of work. The Marlins tagged him for eight hits, including three long balls. This comes on the heels of his first appearance against the University of Michigan of all opponents, who scored five runs in 1/3 of an inning.
Some bright spots for the Mets include Nick Evans, who belted another long homer scoring three runs in a six-run eighth inning; Ryan Church, who had two hits and a run; and Jeremy Reed, who had his first home run of the spring.
The Mets next travel to Lakeland, Fla., to take on the Detroit Tigers at 1:05 p.m. Friday. Freddy Garcia is the projected starter.
Other notes: Jose Reyes returned to the team after the Dominican Republic was ousted from the World Baseball Classic but did not play.
Mike Pelfrey threw another bullpen session and said he’s feeling better. He is still expecting to make his start against the Nationals.
Former Mets pitcher Ambiorix Burgos has been convicted of assaulting his girlfriend and will be sentenced on April 3, according to ESPN.com.
