MLB

Soreness no problem for Mets’ Reyes

PORT ST. LUCIE — Jose Reyes seemed surprised yesterday at how well his body responded to workouts a day earlier.

After spending nearly three weeks sidelined because of an overactive thyroid, he expected significant soreness after his initial workout upon returning to camp. Instead, the Mets shortstop said he felt fresh for yesterday’s fielding and hitting drills.

“The next few days I’m going to be even better,” he said.

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Reyes does not have a timetable for making his Grapefruit League debut and says he isn’t sure how many at-bats he’ll need to get ready for the season. He hasn’t ruled out Opening Day.

“Right now I am not worried about how many at-bats I am going to take before the season,” Reyes said. “My goal is to get into baseball shape, progressing every day and see what happens.”

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Kiko Calero had an impressive inning of relief, striking out two in a 2-1 loss to the Cardinals.

“We still have to give him a chance to get his arm in shape,” Jerry Manuel said. “See if we can get an opportunity to have those back to back days and see if we still see the same stuff.”

Manuel said the bullpen is still a major concern. “I’d like to get that squared away as soon as possible, ” he said.

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Young second baseman Jordany Valdespin had an impressive outing, his second as a Met. He had a strong first at-bat before lining out to center and later picked up a single.

“He’s not that far away,” Omar Minaya said.

Manuel said that Valdespin needs to be counted now as one of the Mets’ top prospects.

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Nelson Figueroa will start today’s game against the Marlins in Jupiter, Fla.

Figueroa has not allowed a run in eight innings pitched this spring, but barring an injury within the rotation will not make the club. Manuel’s sights are set on Jon Niese for the fifth spot in the rotation and could make the official announcement early next week.