JUPITER, Fla. — Frank Francisco isn’t doing much this spring to make the Mets forget Frankie Rodriguez or Billy Wagner.
The team’s new closer bombed after entering in the third inning yesterday, allowing two earned runs on five hits over two innings in the Mets’ 6-5 loss to the Marlins. Manny Acosta surrendered two runs in the ninth for the blown save.
Francisco has a 5.54 ERA this spring and has allowed 18 hits in 13 innings.
“We’re still waiting for his velocity to come up,” pitching coach Dan Warthen said. “Every report we have is that when the bell rings a light turns on for him, but I just need to see a little more arm strength.”
Warthen said Francisco is throwing in the low 90s, but is most effective in the 93-94 mph range.
Manager Terry Collins is trying to remain patient with Francisco, who signed a two-year deal worth $12 million with the Mets this winter.
“I’ve had probably five or six people in the last week say, ‘Don’t get caught up in what he does in spring training because he does it every spring,’ ” Collins said. “He steps it up when the big lights come on.”
Collins plans to have Francisco pitch an inning tomorrow against the Braves and then rest for two days before Thursday’s opener.
* Center fielder Andres Torres (left calf) ran “well” in a minor league game, according to Collins, leaving the Mets hopeful he will head north with the club. … Lefty reliever Tim Byrdak allowed two runs on a hit over one inning in a minor league appearance. Byrdak, who is recovering from arthroscopic surgery on his left knee, likely will join the Mets after their opening series.
* Astros owner Jim Crane toured Digital Domain Park, as the team considers a potential move from Kissimmee to join the Mets in Port St. Lucie for spring training.
The Mets are hoping to lure a team there, easing their travel burden. As it stands, the Marlins, Cardinals and Nationals are the Mets’ only opponents on the east coast of Florida. The Nationals are reportedly considering a move across the state to Fort Myers.
“I would like to see more teams on this side of the state for sure,” Collins said. “No disrespect to the Marlins or Nationals, but you get a little tired of seeing those same faces every day, especially the teams in our division. To have another team come in — no matter where it is or who it is — would be good for us.”