PORT ST. LUCIE — Frank Francisco is finally throwing a baseball.
After reporting to camp with elbow swelling, the combustible closer played catch yesterday, leaving Mets manager Terry Collins optimistic the right-hander will be part of the Opening Day roster.
“It’s a step forward, for sure,” Collins said before the Mets’ 6-4 loss to the Nationals last night. “The swelling has subsided, the discomfort has subsided and now we have to take these gradual baby steps as we get closer to being back to where we need to be.”
No timetable has been set for Francisco to begin throwing from a mound. His next step will be long-tossing.
Bobby Parnell is handling the closer’s duties in camp to prepare for the possibility Francisco won’t be ready to start the season.
“We’ve still got five weeks,” Collins said. “We’ve still got a lot of time.”
Ruben Tejada was scratched from the lineup because of a cramp in his right quadriceps. The shortstop said he expects to only need a day off before resuming activity.
* Collin Cowgill batted in the leadoff spot, a possible destination for the speedy outfielder once the season begins. Cowgill — who went 0-for-2 last night — and Kirk Nieuwenhuis are expected to platoon in center field and potentially share the leadoff duties.
Collins said Cowgill’s base-running ability makes him an intriguing leadoff option.
“He’s got some power in that leadoff spot, but he’s an aggressive guy on the bases, which I think is a key thing when a guy gets on,” Collins said of Cowgill. “Not that he’s going to be a huge base-stealer, but he is the guy we know can go from first to third or create some action on the infield.”
* Collins said he saw more life in Johan Santana’s shoulder during a long-tossing session, but no date has been set for the lefty to make his Grapefruit League debut. Santana was scratched from starting on March 2 because he lacked arm speed during a bullpen session last week.
Jenrry Mejia, LaTroy Hawkins and Jeurys Familia are among the pitchers scheduled to face the Marlins today in Jupiter, Fla.