JUPITER, Fla. — Chris Young is proving he can shoulder the load.
The veteran right-hander yesterday made the loudest statement yet that his shoulder is healthy, firing six shutout innings for the Mets in a 5-0 exhibition loss to the Marlins. Young allowed four hits, struck out three and had no walks.
“The main thing is physically I feel good,” Young said. “My fastball command was the best it has been — I was very happy with it. It carried over from the last couple of innings my last start [against Washington].”
The 6-foot-10 Young has allowed only 15 hits in 20 1/3 innings this spring. His 1.33 ERA is tops among the Mets’ starting pitchers.
“I don’t think he’s had a bad outing all spring,” manager Terry Collins said. “I’ve talked to guys who have faced him and they say you just can’t pick the ball up until late. As tall as he is, you don’t see the ball, and when he’s down in the zone you don’t see a lot of guys swinging at it.”
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Carlos Beltran hit left-handed in batting practice and participated in fielding drills — the best sign yet for the Mets as the right fielder attempts to crack the Opening Day lineup.
Collins said he’ll speak with Beltran today about taking the next step. Beltran [left knee tendinitis] has played only one exhibition game, but the manager is confident it will only take a “few” games in the outfield for him to be ready for the opener.
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Jason Isringhausen can move another step closer to claiming the primary setup role when he takes the mound today against the Braves. On Saturday, pitching coach Dan Warthen told The Post that Isringhausen is almost assured a roster spot, provided he doesn’t have a setback with his right elbow.
Warthen also said there have been discussions about moving Isringhausen ahead of Bobby Parnell in the bullpen, allowing Parnell to gradually work his way into the eighth-inning role.
The 38-year-old Isringhausen has a 1.50 ERA this spring. Parnell struggled yesterday, allowing two runs in one-third of an inning.