PORT ST. LUCIE — The Mets won’t have a job-share at catcher, but under consideration is a plan that would make Kevin Plawecki more than a traditional backup who plays once a week.
Manager Terry Collins outlined a scenario Friday in which Travis d’Arnaud might rest every fourth game this season, giving Plawecki the start behind the plate. The goal not only is to keep Plawecki sharp, but also ensure d’Arnaud is well-rested given his injury history.
“You are looking at Travis playing three in a row, day off, play three more in a row, day off,” Collins said.
“It will be on how they are playing. If somebody is swinging good, you have to get them in there a little bit more, but I just think the more they are rested, as we saw last year, Travis when he had some rest, he played good. But I just think the rest will keep him healthier than running him out there five or six days in a row.”
D’Arnaud had two stints on the disabled list last season and played only 66 games. His absence provided an opportunity for Plawecki, who was summoned from Triple-A Las Vegas early in the season and excelled handling the pitching staff, but struggled offensively, posting a .576 OPS in 73 games.
Plawecki had bouts of dizziness last season that may have contributed to his offensive troubles. After undergoing December surgery to correct a deviated septum, Plawecki doesn’t expect any further dizzy spells.
“Great catcher, a smart guy, a great team player and he actually has a lot of pop, too,” d’Arnaud said, referring to Plawecki.
The two catchers have become close friends and spend plenty of time together off the field.
“The experience was great last year, and there’s a lot of positives to take away from it,” Plawecki said. “I’m excited to start off the season with this group of guys in the locker room.”
D’Arnaud and Plawecki may also see action at first base this spring as the Mets look for other ways to keep them in the lineup. Though d’Arnaud has never played the position at the professional level, Plawecki has first-base experience from the minor leagues.
“It’s been awhile, but it’s just something where you take some reps over there,” Plawecki said. “I do feel pretty comfortable given the limited time I’ve had over there, so that is definitely encouraging for me.”
Collins is convinced Plawecki will emerge offensively to give the Mets another weapon.
“This guy is a good offensive player, and you will see that once in awhile,” Collins said. “Especially the position he plays. He’s coming up, he’s got to hit big league pitching, he’s in the lineup every day and the biggest thing is to make sure our pitching, he catches, because with our pitching staff, that is the most important thing, his receiving.
“As we get through spring training we’ll see how Travis is handling things, and we’ll make that decision [on playing time] as we get near the season.”