LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. — Mike Baxter’s stock is on the rise as the Mets continue to evaluate their backup outfield options.
The Queens native is the team leader in batting average (.343) and RBIs (six) this spring after a strong performance for the Mets in their 9-4 exhibition loss to the Braves yesterday.
Baxter finished 2-for-2 with two RBIs as the starting center fielder as Andres Torres (left calf) missed a third straight game. Baxter could make the team as a backup in center if Scott Hairston (oblique) begins the season on the disabled list. The Mets still believe Torres’ injury will be short term.
For Baxter, it’s an opportunity to grab a job. He began camp in competition with Adam Loewen for one roster spot, but Hairston’s injury has perhaps opened the door for both to make it.
“Even if it’s just limited time in spring training, it’s exciting to get a chance to play center and I think it’s important for my style of game to be able to play it,” Baxter said.
* Jon Niese allowed four earned runs over four innings. After 54 pitches, Niese left the game as part of a double switch in the fifth inning. He retreated to the bullpen to throw about 30 more pitches.
Mike Pelfrey will take his 14.90 ERA this spring to the mound today against the Cardinals in Port St. Lucie. In his last start, against the Astros, the right-hander allowed eight earned runs over 2 2/3 innings.
* C.J. Nitkowski tweeted that the Mets have said they won’t be offering him a contract.
The 39-year-old lefty reliever, who last pitched in the major leagues in 2005, had an audition for team officials earlier in the month.
“Positive experience, but no deal,” Nitkowski tweeted.
* Former Mets general manager Jim Duquette will work the team’s WFAN radio broadcast today and tomorrow and likely be added as a backup to Howie Rose and Josh Lewin, according to a source. Duquette, who was a consideration for a full-time spot in the booth before Lewin was hired, would do at least 20 regular-season games.