PORT ST. LUCIE — Bo Bichette returned to his old position Friday to reacquaint himself with playing shortstop should the Mets need him there during the season.
“He didn’t get tested, but it was good to get him back there,” manager Carlos Mendoza said after the Mets lost 4-3 to the Cardinals in an exhibition game.
Bichette, the team’s starting third baseman, could be in position to serve as the backup shortstop to Francisco Lindor.
In that scenario, the Mets wouldn’t have to carry a sixth infielder, allowing for an extra outfielder on the 26-man roster.
Bichette was a shortstop for the Blue Jays before arriving to the Mets in January on a three-year contract worth $126 million.
“We can go a lot of different ways here, and that is why Bo [got] that opportunity today at shortstop,” Mendoza said. “I think after spending the whole spring training, all his work at third base, it’s kind of getting him back familiar.”
Francisco Alvarez was feeling better, according to Mendoza, a day after he departed the game early with back tightness.
Alvarez was on the bench Thursday; the plan was to give him a day off even before he incurred the back discomfort.
He is expected back in Friday’s lineup.
Freddy Peralta pitched in a minor league game Friday because Mendoza didn’t want to expose him to the Cardinals so close to the three-game series the teams will play beginning in 1 ½ weeks.
Peralta will start Opening Day against the Pirates and then conceivably return to pitch six days later in St. Louis.
The Mets will carry six starters, but Mendoza indicated the team might only use five starters for the first turn through the rotation.
Left-hander Bryan Hudson, who is competing for the final spot in the Mets bullpen, allowed three earned runs on one hit and two walks over one inning with one strikeout.
Hudson has pitched to a 16.20 ERA in his four Grapefruit League appearances.
Austin Warren, Kevin Herget and Robert Stock were reassigned to minor league camp.
