Brandon Nimmo makes spring outfield debut in ‘optimistic’ Mets injury sign

PORT ST. LUCIE — Brandon Nimmo didn’t get a chance to test his right knee, but was just glad to stand in his familiar post on Monday. 

The outfielder started in left field for the first time this spring after dealing with right knee soreness that has curtailed his Grapefruit League activity.

Nimmo had previously served as the DH in his three game appearances. 

“I have just been trying to listen to [the knee] and it has been really good the last few days,” Nimmo said on a day the Mets lost 2-0 to the Rays at Clover Park. “We pushed a little bit more to get to left field today, so it’s making real good progress.” 

Nimmo said part of the reason he chose Monday for his outfield debut this spring was so he could rest the following day, on which the entire team is off. 

“But we’re getting down to the end here and decisions have to be made on playing the field and DHing,” Nimmo said. “I wanted to get out there because in controlled settings it’s responding really well.” 

Nimmo spent most of the offseason refraining from running as he rested following a PRP injection for the plantar fasciitis in his left foot.

He estimated on Monday that he is running at about 90 percent full speed as he deals with his knee issue. 

“Where I’m at I am pretty optimistic we’re on more the downhill side of this,” Nimmo said. “Good timing for Opening Day.” 

Jesse Winker left the game after reaching for his calf while running to first base in the first inning.

The outfielder’s suspicion that it was only a cramp was confirmed by the team’s training staff. Winker doesn’t expect to miss further action. 

Ryan Clifford was named to the All-Spring Breakout team after launching a home run to center field in the event, which was spread across various spring training locales in recent days.

Clifford helped the Mets prospects to a 5-1 victory against their Nationals counterparts. 

Luis De Los Santos, Anthony Gose, Joey Meneses, Sean Reid-Foley and Chris Williams were reassigned to minor league camp.

It left the Mets with 44 players in major league camp. 

The Mets have their final off-day in camp on Tuesday.

They will return to Grapefruit League action on Wednesday night in West Palm Beach, Fla., against the Astros.