PORT ST. LUCIE — Pedro Feliciano is the latest entry into the Mets’ eighth-inning derby.
The lefty reliever — the team’s most trusted bullpen option not named Francisco Rodriguez — could get a shot in the setup role, manager Jerry Manuel said yesterday, even if rookie fireballer Jenrry Mejia makes the team.
Manuel has vowed that Mejia won’t be thrust immediately into a setup role, and options such as Ryota Igarashi, Bobby Parnell and Sean Green have been inconsistent all spring. Parnell and Green are fighting to make the 25-man roster.
But Feliciano’s candidacy for the eighth inning could hinge on whether lefty Raul Valdes shows enough to make the team, as there is still some concern about Hisanori Takahashi’s ability to handle lefties.
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Feliciano is regarded among the game’s premier lefty specialists, and the Mets would be rolling the dice using him in the setup role.
Feliciano has made it known he wants to be considered for the eighth inning.
“That’s what I want to do — I want to be in that role,” Feliciano said. “It’s been in my mind that I can do the job and I just came here ready to face both righties and lefties.”
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Jon Niese allowed three earned runs on six hits over 4 2/3 innings in the Mets’ 7-6 exhibition victory over the Marlins at Digital Domain Park. Niese was originally scheduled to make the bus ride with a split squad to face the Nationals in Viera, Fla., but when that game was postponed by morning rain, the lefty bumped Oliver Perez from the rotation. Perez will pitch today against the Cardinals.
Manuel has not officially named Niese to the rotation as the fifth starter, but that announcement is expected on Thursday.
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Mejia allowed an unearned run in the seventh inning after Fernando Martinez misplayed a fly ball in right field and earned the manager’s praise for the way he battled Dan Uggla, getting the All-Star to break his bat and ground out, ending the inning. The 20-year-old Mejia has a 1.93 ERA in nine appearances this spring.
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Chris Coste was claimed off waivers by the Nationals, leaving the Mets with Rod Barajas, Henry Blanco and Omir Santos as the catchers remaining in camp.