JUPITER, Fla. — Miguel Batista entered camp as something of a long shot, but will leave with a spot on the Mets’ Opening Day roster.
The 41-year-old right-hander was given a position in the bullpen yesterday despite a rough spring training. But D.J. Carrasco and Pedro Beato are headed toward the disabled list, so the Mets had few other options in long relief.
Batista is 0-2 with a 5.59 ERA this spring and opponents are hitting .333 against him. Batista also would be the emergency sixth starter.
“He is the one guy who is durable enough that he will throw enough if we need a spot starter he can give it to us,” manager Terry Collins said.
The Mets also view Batista as a mentor.
“He gives us that veteran presence in the bullpen, which helps,” Collins said. “We’ve got some young people on this team and they can turn to him for some leadership.”
In nine appearances for the Mets last season, Batista went 2-0 with a 2.64 ERA. He made his major league debut for the Pirates in 1992.
* Though the Mets haven’t seriously considered releasing Mike Pelfrey (the topic was broached recently during a meeting and quickly disregarded), the organization would listen to trade offers for the beleaguered righty.
But according to a team source, general manager Sandy Alderson hasn’t received any calls asking about Pelfrey’s availability. That is hardly surprising given that Pelfrey has bombed in four of five starts this spring, had a shaky 2011 season and is owed $5.68 million this year.
* Andres Torres went 1-for-5 with a single as the designated hitter in a minor league exhibition game, but his status for Opening Day remains unclear as he recovers from a strained left calf.
The Mets will not play Torres in a Grapefruit League game until it’s obvious he can play the field and has no issues with the calf. If Torres needs a DL stint, it could be backdated to March 21 provided he doesn’t appear in a spring game.
Vinny Rottino likely would make the team as a spare outfielder should Torres go on the DL.
* J
ohan Santana is expected to throw a 50-pitch bullpen session today instead of making an abbreviated exhibition start. The bullpen session will serve as Santana’s final tune-up before the regular season. The lefty is expected to officially be named the Opening Day starter within the next few days.
* Justin Turner started at first base and could see action at that position early in the season if Collins decides Ike Davis needs extra rest.