PORT ST. LUCIE — Manager Terry Collins’ head is spinning as he considers the Mets’ center-field situation.
The manager yesterday said Andres Torres hasn’t progressed as he rests a sore left calf, and for the first time mentioned the possibility Torres, his starting center fielder, could begin the season on the disabled list. Backup Scott Hairston is ready to test his left oblique in batting practice, but Collins is far from certain he will be ready for Opening Day.
Collins said rookie Matt Den Dekker would be the Mets’ best defensive possibility should neither Torres nor Hairston be available, but there are still huge questions about him offensively. Mike Baxter would be another option, and rookie Jordany Valdespin probably has the best offensive upside but almost zero experience playing the position. Valdespin is scheduled to start in center today.
“These guys are going to go down to the wire,” Collins said. “We’ve got to make an accurate judgment on who’s the best guy.”
Collins said Torres hasn’t been cleared for baseball activities.
“It’s a pretty big piece of the puzzle,” Collins said. “We got him to fill a big void for us and him being out, with Scott hurt, we’re going to scramble. Hopefully, if [Torres] doesn’t start the year for us, it won’t be long after that.”
* Frank Francisco surrendered a run in the ninth inning for the Mets’ blown save in their 6-6, 10-inning tie with the Cardinals yesterday. The Mets received a three-run homer from Ike Davis and solo blast from Lucas Duda. Lefty J
osh Edgin pitched a scoreless inning of relief and still has a 0.00 ERA in seven appearances this spring.
* David Wright is scheduled to begin tracking live pitches today or tomorrow and should make his Grapefruit League debut no later than Tuesday, according to Collins.
* Matt Harvey will be summoned from minor league camp to pitch against the Nationals today, allowing Dillon Gee to pitch in a minor league game. The Mets are making the switch so Gee won’t be overexposed to the Nationals — the team he is expected to face in his first start of the regular season. … Dennis Bennett, who pitched for the Mets in 1967, died yesterday at his home in Oregon. He was 72.