MLB

Tatis to see plenty of action in first-base platoon

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — The Mets likely won’t have a problem finding at-bats for Fernando Tatis this season.

When the team re-signed the veteran utilityman last winter, it was with the idea he could face lefty pitchers in a first-base platoon with Daniel Murphy. That idea hasn’t changed now that Murphy will open the season on the disabled list.

Manager Jerry Manuel said yesterday he expects to use Tatis in a straight platoon with Mike Jacobs. That would include playing Tatis for consecutive games if the Mets were to face a flurry of lefty pitching.

Jacobs will still get the majority of at-bats as Murphy spends the next 2-6 weeks rehabbing a sprained medial collateral ligament in his right knee.

“Jacobs is a power guy,” Manuel said. “We missed a little power last year. He is a nice presence in the lineup and on the field.”

Though the Rays had right-hander Matt Garza on the mound last night, Tatis started at first base to get in some work. The Mets aren’t scheduled to face a lefty starter until at least Friday, when they play the Nationals.

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Jose Reyes went 1-for-4 with a leadoff homer in a minor-league scrimmage against Triple-A New Orleans in Port St. Lucie. Reyes also played seven innings at shortstop, his longest stint on the field in the three scrimmages in which he has participated.

The Mets officially will place Reyes on the disabled list — retroactive to March 26 — tomorrow, when rosters must be submitted. Reyes would be eligible to play next Saturday against the Nationals.

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Neither Manuel nor GM Omar Minaya had any new information regarding Francisco Rodriguez, who remains absent from the team to be with his brother, who is hospitalized in Venezuela after a serious automobile accident. The Mets are expecting to have Rodriguez for Opening Day.

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The Mets will play their final Grapefruit League game today, when they face the Orioles in Sarasota. The team will fly home tonight and have a workout at Citi Field tomorrow in preparation for Monday’s opener against the Marlins.

Jon Niese and Oliver Perez are scheduled to split today’s game in a final tune-up for each.