PORT ST. LUCIE — Jordany Valdespin will have soup-to-nuts protection the next time he steps on a baseball field.
“I never use a cup, but I’ve got to use it because I’m really scared of the ball hitting me in the balls,” the Mets utilityman said yesterday, two days after he was drilled in the genitals — without a cup to absorb the impact — by a Justin Verlander fastball. “I have to do it now so I never forget.”
Valdespin said he is fine physically, but was told to take yesterday off as the Mets traveled to Viera, Fla., for an exhibition game against the Nationals.
Though outfielders sometimes forgo the extra protection, Valdespin — who is splitting time between second base and the outfield this spring — indicated he will wear a cup regardless of what position he plays.
“All positions I have to use it because you never know,” Valdespin said. “The ball can take a bad hop and hit me again, so I don’t want to get into trouble.”
Valdespin said getting hit by Verlander’s 94-mph heater was the scariest moment of his career.
“Oh, yeah, baby — very scared,” Valdespin said. “I felt like I didn’t have nothing at the time, but everything is normal, it’s just fine.”
➤ Frank Francisco threw from a mound for a second time, but indicated he’s no closer to making his Grapefruit League debut.
“It’s not good yet,” Francisco said, referring to his elbow. “I’m not happy with that yet. You know when I’m going to be happy? When I throw off the mound in a real game. I’m trying to be patient, but I’m tired.”
The righty reliever said it would be “great” if he’s on the Opening Day roster, but is unsure if he will be ready.
Does Francisco still consider himself the closer?
“He is the closer,” Francisco said, motioning to Bobby Parnell’s locker. “I can’t even pitch right now. When I’m back, it’s whatever they are going to give me. I’m here, they pay me and I do what they say. If they want me to be the mop, I’ll be the mop. If they want me to be The Man out there, I’ll be The Man.”
➤ The Mets gave “marginal” interest in outfielder Brennan Boesch, who was released by the Tigers, according to a club official.
➤ Kirk Nieuwenhuis (knee) could resume baseball activities today, according to manager Terry Collins. Daniel Murphy (intercostal strain) is expected to participate in a minor league game this weekend.
➤ Parnell gave up four runs, three earned, in his one inning of the Mets’ 8-5 loss to the Nationals at Space Coast Stadium in Viera, but Collins wasn’t concerned: “He’s just getting his work in.”