PORT ST. LUCIE — Thursday was a dress rehearsal of sorts for the Mets’ utilizing the automated ball-strike system.
That technology will be used at Clover Park beginning with Saturday’s exhibition opener against the Astros.
It’s a trial system that will be used at several spring training sites as MLB weighs implementing the automated strike zone in a future season.
The Mets used an umpire for their live batting practice session and players could challenge ball/strike calls.
In spring training, each team will receive two challenges.
If a team challenges and the call is overturned, that challenge is retained.
“There is not only how it works and how quick you have to challenge the pitch, but just some of the things that happen in games,” manager Carlos Mendoza said. “What happens if a guy steals a base on a 3-1 count and he’s safe and a strike is called a ball, so that runner is going to go back. There is so much more than just calling balls and strikes that we have to learn. I am curious to see it and I am glad we’re testing it at the same time.”
A technical glitch knocked out the automated strike zone during the live batting practice so the Mets switched to a Trackman machine to tell them pitch locations.
Juan Soto, in his fourth spring-training locale in as many seasons, is embracing the fact he doesn’t have to worry about moving again in the foreseeable future.
“It’s kind of weird after three years changing teams here and there, it’s kind of like a different vibe,” Soto said. “I don’t believe it yet. I am still in between, still learning this team and seeing this spot and saying, ‘This is actually where I am going to be for the next 15 years.’ ”
Mendoza said several starters will play in Saturday’s Grapefruit League opener, including Soto, Francisco Lindor and Pete Alonso.
The Mets will start Clay Holmes, who is expected to receive three ups (meaning he will at least begin the third inning).
