FORT MYERS, Fla. — Dillon Gee’s impending anointment as the Mets’ Opening Day starter isn’t just manager Terry Collins pulling names from a hat.
Start with Gee’s 2.71 ERA over the final four months of 2013 and factor in his success against the Nationals, whom the Mets will face for the opener on March 31 at Citi Field, and it would be easy to select Gee even if Jon Niese’s progression had remained smooth this spring.
But with Niese preparing to remain in Port St. Lucie when the Mets break camp later this week, as he builds up arm strength that could lead to an April 6 start, it’s Gee showing why he’s the right fit for the opener.
On Friday, Gee had a fourth straight impressive performance this spring, holding the Twins to one run over 5 ¹/₃ innings in the Mets’ 9-1 exhibition victory at Hammond Stadium.
Overall, Gee has pitched to a 1.69 ERA this Grapefruit League season. Most impressively, he has not issued a walk in 14 ²/₃ innings.
“That’s the plan,” Gee said. “I can’t give up those free passes, it tends to lead to crooked numbers in innings, so it’s definitely a big deal for me and obviously I will keep an eye on that.”
Collins is waiting until next week to officially name Gee his Opening Day starter. The manager wants to ensure Gee is strong physically and doesn’t need an extra day of rest heading into his next start. As it stands, Gee’s exhibition finale would come on Wednesday, putting him on normal rest heading into Opening Day the following Monday.
Gee, according to Collins, is already near peak form. The Twins were baffled from the start on Friday, finishing with just five singles against Gee.
“That was outstanding,” Collins said. “Even the umpire said the ball, every pitch he threw, was going one way or the other. It’s a great sign. He felt great. He’s looked great, so it was a good day for him to get out there and get his work in.”
The Mets hope Gee is building momentum to avoid the kind of slow start that hurt him last season and nearly cost him a spot in the rotation. Over the first eight weeks of last season, Gee posted a 6.34 ERA. His turnaround began with a gem against the Yankees on May 30, when he allowed one run over 7 ¹/₃ innings and struck out 12.
As Gee scuffled early, he was just hoping for survival, never mind the opportunity to start the ensuing season opener. But now that he’s on the cusp, he clearly appreciates the opportunity.
“I don’t know what starter wouldn’t want to start Opening Day,” Gee said. “It would be a huge honor. But right now I’m worried about, I’ve got another start left and I’m still polishing everything up and getting ready to go whenever they tell me to.”
Gee’s case for the opener is bolstered by his 7-3 record and 3.04 ERA lifetime against the Nationals. Among Gee’s career highlights is beating the Nationals in his major league debut on Sept. 7, 2010, when he allowed one run over seven innings in Washington after taking a no-hitter into the sixth.
Though he’s still not official for the opener, Gee has received his share of congratulations from teammates and family. It has left Gee in the awkward position of explaining Collins hasn’t officially committed to him yet.
“I’m still waiting on the final word, but everybody is like, ‘Congratulations,’ ” Gee said. “I haven’t been told yet. I’ll let you know when I do.”