Mets Notes: A 'good sign' for Brandon Nimmo; the plan for Dedniel Núñez

Mets manager Carlos Mendoza spoke ahead of Monday's split squad spring training games.

Here are the most important notes...

Brandon Nimmo back in the outfield

Nimmo, who recently missed over a week of action due to a knee issue that required a gel injection, is playing the outfield on Monday for the first time since Feb. 28.

Nimmo had recently been serving as the designated hitter.

"Felt good yesterday after the live at-bats of the game on the back field," Mendoza said. "Talking to him, it's like 'feel good to go.' That's a good sign. Three [games] in a row. And then finally getting him some outfield action there."

There hasn't been any recent doubt about Nimmo's availability for Opening Day, but it was an open question regarding whether he would be able to play the outfield from the jump or if he would initially be relegated to DH duty.

Nimmo being back in the outfield on Monday -- a week before the Mets break camp in advance of Opening Day on March 27 against the Astros in Houston -- is obviously a good sign for his ability to play the field right away.

Dedniel Núñez set for spring training debut

Núñez is scheduled to pitch on Monday in what will be his first Grapefruit League action of the spring.

He had been throwing live bullpen sessions in preparation.

Núñez dealt with multiple injuries in 2024, and his season ended in September due to a strained flexor tendon in his right arm.

Because of the above, the Mets have been taking it slow with him this spring.

"We gotta be careful with him, especially multiple innings, back-to-backs," Mendoza explained. "The goal here is -- we need to have this guy healthy for the whole year. With his past injuries and everything he's gone through in his career, we gotta take care of him.

"I'm glad he's finally getting some game action today, and we'll see how it goes."

It's unclear if Núñez will be able to build up enough to be ready for Opening Day. But in the event he isn't ready, he shouldn't be that far behind.

Núñez was one of New York's best relievers last season, emerging as a legitimate late-inning weapon in what was his rookie season.

In 35.0 innings over 25 appearances, he had a 2.31 ERA (2.22 FIP) and 0.91 WHIP while striking out 48 batters -- a rate of 12.3 per nine.

Roster moves and a rotation note

The Mets made a handful of roster moves on Monday, reassigning infielders Luis De Los Santos and Joey Meneses, catcher Chris Williams, right-handed pitcher Sean Reid-Foley, and left-handed pitcher Anthony Gose to minor league camp.

Those moves left 44 players in major league camp.

As the potential 26-man roster for Opening Day continues to come into focus, Mendoza said on Monday that the team is strongly considering carrying all three of Griffin Canning, Paul Blackburn, and Tylor Megill (who are battling for the two final spots in the starting rotation) on the roster to start the year -- with two in the rotation and one in the bullpen.

Of the three, only Megill can be sent to the minors without the Mets running the risk of losing him.