PORT ST. LUCIE — Before the Mets worry about a second lefty for the bullpen, they may need to consider their first option.
Josh Edgin was flat in his appearance against the Marlins on Monday, when he allowed two hits and a run over one-third of an inning in the Mets’ 13-2 loss.
The lefty’s fastball was clocked in the 88-91 mph range. Last year, Edgin had a similar velocity drop and was sent to minor-league camp before beginning the season at Triple-A Las Vegas.
“That would be a concern that [Edgin’s] velocity is not there yet,” Collins said. “So that is something we certainly have to work on arm-toss wise, arm-speed wise because that sets the tone for everything. When Josh Edgin is pitching well, he is throwing 93 mph and that is enough to throw it by somebody and now his slider is more effective.”
Scott Rice, Jack Leathersich, Diego Alvarez and Rule 5 selection Sean Gilmartin are the other lefties in camp.
Lucas Duda, who had been limited by soreness in his left rib cage, took batting practice for the first time in about a month and looked impressive, according to Collins. The slugging first baseman could play his first exhibition game on Friday or Saturday.
MLB’s new commissioner, Rob Manfred, held a question-and-answer session with the Mets players before their workout.
A big topic, according to Manfred, was the new pace of game regulations that have been imposed this season with the idea of speeding up play.
“I think they understand what it is we’re trying to accomplish,” Manfred said. “And I think they appreciate the fact we have taken a kind of measured approach to the problem to make sure that we don’t unintentionally change the game in a way that might not be positive.”
Daniel Murphy returned to the lineup after missing two games with a bruised right hand. He had been drilled by a David Price fastball on Friday.
Travis d’Arnaud was absent from the lineup a day after getting spiked on his left ring finger, but is expected to play Tuesday against the Braves.