PORT ST. LUCIE — Jenrry Mejia continues to impress as he threw two innings yesterday in the Mets’ 9-1 win over the Tigers. He surrendered three hits and a run but also struck out three and used his changeup while hitting 97 mph with his fastball. He did not walk anyone.
Asked by the Post if he has shown enough to make the team, Mejia did not hesitate, saying: “I think so. I’m ready.”
Manager Jerry Manuel would love to have him on the Mets’ opening day roster, but the plan may be to keep him in the minors for another year.
“Good stuff,” Manuel said of Mejia, who is only 20. “Today was the first time I’ve seen him use the changeup. He gave up three hits and two of them were on changeups. I think that is a little firm right now, 89-88. But he did show a good curve ball I was impressed with that.
“The thing for him is that he has to continue to throw strikes,” Manuel said. “Command is not as big an issue for him as control because his arm is so quick and the ball gets on you. He’s very, very impressive.”
Manuel also is impressed with Japanese lefty Hisanori Takahashi, who fooled the Tigers for three innings, allowing only one hit while striking out three. He did not walk a batter.
Takahashi is locked in for a spot on the staff and could wind up as the fifth starter. Asked if he thought facing major league hitters would be this easy, Takahashi smiled and said: “Not really. But the batters are a little behind right now.”
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The team that couldn’t hit home runs last year hit four yesterday — three were wind-aided and only one would have departed Citi Field. David Wright, Jason Bay and Daniel Murphy lifted fly balls to right that got up into the jet stream. Gary Matthews Jr. hit a blast to center that was crushed.
“Matthews has probably shown a little more power than I expected,” Manuel said.
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Bobby Valentine was back yesterday as part of his new TV gig. He had a long conversation with Fred Wilpon outside the Mets clubhouse before the game. Valentine said he is excited about working with the Baseball Tonight crew and was amazed by the growth in the Mets spring training facility.
“It seems like another place,” he said.
Asked about the possibility of managing again, he said he was happy with his new job. “We’ve got to be entertaining,” he said. “We want to make it exciting.” Valentine could wind up as manager of the Marlins if the team falters early.
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Kelvim Escobar said there is no truth to a report that he is frustrated and may retire because of shoulder woes. He said his rehab is “going great.” He said he has no pain and is expected to throw in about 10 days. . . . Mets scouts took a close look at Cuban shortstop Adeiny Hechevarria Friday in a workout. According to industry sources they are not expected to get in on the bidding. Hechevarria likely will sign with the Yankees. . . . Closer Francisco Rodriguez threw his first live batting practice session. “It was awesome,” Rodriguez said of the outing, where he was wearing goggles because he cannot wear contacts quite yet after his bout with pink eye. “I felt great.” K-Rod will take today off and then plans to throw Monday against the Cardinals.