Mets Notes: Carlos Mendoza encouraged by Max Kranick, Brett Baty’s strong spring starts

Here’s what Mets manager Carlos Mendoza had to say following the shutout win over the Houston Astros in Thursday’s spring training action…

Clay Holmes’ second spring start

Holmes took the mound on Thursday making his second outing of the spring against an Astros lineup that featured a bit more firepower than the last one he faced.

That proved to be no problem for the right-hander, as he worked his way through three more scoreless innings, allowing only a double to Christian Walker and one while striking out a pair.

Mendoza continues to like what he's seen from the transitioning reliever in camp.

“He attacked the zone, used all of his pitches,” the skipper said. “The second time he’s faced this lineup, a couple of the regulars this time around. I thought the sinker was good, he threw a couple of four-seams that were good, slider, sweeper, the cutter. Overall, just another good outing for him, really good job today.”

It’s still a small sample size, but there certainly has been plenty to be encouraged about from Holmes’ first two Grapefruit League outings, as he’s now put together six scoreless innings. 

Kranick continues to impress

Max Kranick took the mound for his second outing of the spring and he was impressive, as well. 

The right-hander struck a pair, including an 11-pitch battle with outfielder Quincy Hamilton, as he retired all six batters he faced across two perfect innings. 

Kranick topped out around 97 mph with his fastball, which has certainly helped him catch the attention of the coaching staff as he’s made the transition from a starter to a multi-inning reliever. 

"He’s attacking the zone and he’s aggressive -- the fastball has a ton of life," Mendoza said. "Once he made that transition to the bullpen last year the velo kicked up, and that’s what we’re seeing from him right now.  He’s sitting consistently in the mid-90s and is throwing strikes.

"That’s what you want to see from these guys, especially in that role where he’s a multiple inning type of guy, but he can bring that velo in and can throw strikes."

Kranick has certainly put himself in a position to land a bullpen spot if he can keep this up.

Brett Baty continues to mash 

Another big development early in camp has been the red-hot start from Brett Baty. 

The young slugger crushed his second home run of the spring over the right-field fence during Thursday’s victory, giving him an impressive .545 average and 1.721 OPS over his first 11 at-bats. 

Again, a very small sample size, but Mendoza certainly likes what he’s seen. 

"He's doing a lot of good things at the plate right now," he said. "He’s hitting the ball hard and staying inside the baseball. When he gets his pitches to hit, he’s not missing them, and he’s using the whole field. We've seen him stay up the middle, he pulled it today, he’s gone the other way a few times.

"He’s just doing a lot of the things we’re asking him; Get ready for the pitch. Do damage. Use the whole field. Hit line drives. Those live drives are turning into homers because he's got that power. So he’s in a really good spot at the plate right now."

We’ve seen Baty put together strong spring showings before, carrying that success over to the big-league level has been his biggest problem thus far -- but with INF Nick Madrigal set to miss significant time with a shoulder injury, the 25-year-old just might be playing his way into a spot on the Opening Day roster.

Sproat set for first spring start

Mets top pitching prospect Brandon Sproat will take the mound during Friday’s game against the Nationals.

The action from Clover Park can be seen on SNY at 1:10 p.m.

Even with the injuries to Frankie Montas and Sean Manaea early on in camp, it is expected that Sproat will begin this season back down in Triple-A to continue his development.

The right-hander was one of the quickest risers in the system last year, but he struggled mightily following a late-season promotion to Syracuse, pitching to a 7.35 ERA and allowing seven homers over his final seven appearances.

Still, Sproat possesses significant upside, and he could quickly find his way up to the big-league level.

"There’s a lot to like about him," Mendoza said earlier in camp. "He’s got five pitches and the ability to spin the baseball, whether it’s the short slider, sweeper, the changeup is really, really good, and then he’s got velo. Everything I’ve heard about him, whether it’s the makeup, the compete, how much he cares, it’s exciting."

Sproat will be followed up by, RHP Justin Hagenman, who threw two strong innings during his spring debut.