Baty's First Base Debut: Mets' Spring Training Shuffle

This is Corey with New York Metz News Today, powered by the Daily News Now.

Subscribe for daily updates on your team.

The New York Metz are figuring out life without Peter Lanzo at first base after he signed

with Baltimore this offseason.

The team is testing Jorge Polanco, Mark Vientos, and Brett Beatty to fill the spot, with

Lanzo's absence hurting the lineup more than the defense.

Spring training is their chance to sort it out before the regular season.

On Saturday, Beatty made his first start ever at first base during a 3-2 loss to the Washington

Nationals at Clover Park.

The left-handed hitter had never played there in the majors or minors before.

He handled the position decently, without big errors, though it was not smooth.

Body called it a fun challenge and said it built his confidence for the next game.

He learned on the fly from plays like a grounder to the right side, chatting with coaches

about when to chase balls versus rushing to the bag.

He drew lessons from watching Lanzo cover first, while trusting the second baseman.

Beatty's spring plans go beyond first base.

Manager Carlos Mendoza wants him in right field early to keep him on the right side of the

field.

Beatty could see time at second and third base two, plus both corner outfield spots, embracing

the versatility to get more at bats.

Mendoza feels good about all three players stepping up at first, praising Beatty for tackling

the learning curve on things like positioning and holding, runners.

They have until March 26 to get comfortable, with Viantos having the most pro experience

there, despite limited big league games.

This DNN story is thanks to our sponsor details in the description.

No earbuds, no headbands, no awkward sleeping positions, just a pillow that plays your sound.

This is O.L.I.

SoleyPolo.com