PORT ST. LUCIE — Nick Madrigal’s major league résumé doesn’t include activity at shortstop, but he’s confident he can handle the position.
The 27-year-old infielder — a former first-round draft pick by the White Sox — is expected to see action at shortstop in the exhibition season for the Mets as the team evaluates potential backup options for Francisco Lindor.
Madrigal played mostly third base (with action also at second) last year for the Cubs, and was signed by the Mets last month in part to provide a possible late-inning glove behind Mark Vientos.
But there is a strong possibility the Mets will carry only one backup infielder, and shortstop experience for that player would be a plus.
“I haven’t got that many games [at shortstop] over the last couple of years, but I feel comfortable over there,” said Madrigal, who played the position at Oregon State. “I feel fully capable of doing it.”
Luisangel Acuña, Brett Baty and Jared Young are others in camp competing for a backup infield job.
Ronny Mauricio, who is returning from surgery to repair the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee, isn’t expected to be an option at the major league level to start the season.
Jett Williams was drilled in the “fleshy area” of the right hand by Blake Tidwell during live batting practice and may have avoided the worst. Williams, the organization’s top position player prospect, said he wasn’t planning on X-rays and was “all good.” Williams will be receiving looks at second base, shortstop and center field this spring.
Jeff McNeil, Starling Marte and Tyrone Taylor were among the position players who arrived Friday. The first official workout day for position players is Monday, following Saturday’s report date.
