PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. — The Mets don’t know yet — or haven’t said yet — who will win the last spot or two on the bench and in the bullpen.
But they did rule out a few options Saturday, including veteran major-leaguers Luke Voit and Jose Iglesias, with the regular season looming Thursday.
Righthander Phil Bickford, among several relievers competing for a pair of openings, was designated for assignment. That made room on the 40-man roster for J.D. Martinez, whose one-year contract became official.
“I’ve been saying it all along: There’s going to be some tough conversations, tough decisions,” manager Carlos Mendoza said. “And here we are this morning making a few of them.”
Also not breaking camp with the team: relievers Shintaro Fujinami and Austin Adams. Fujinami, optioned to Triple-A Syracuse, had a chance entering camp but was wild in his last two outings.
The Mets have room for two of Michael Tonkin, Sean Reid-Foley and Yohan Ramirez.
On the position player side, the Mets informed Tomas Nido, Voit and Iglesias that they would not make the team, Mendoza said. Voit and Iglesias have opt-out clauses in their contracts, but it was not clear if either would exercise that power.
If Mark Vientos is the Mets’ DH until Martinez is ready, the Mets have several players for one bench job: first baseman/DH Jiman Choi, infielder Zack Short, corner outfielder DJ Stewart.
“There’s a big puzzle we’re trying to put together in the next couple of days,” Mendoza said. “The good thing is we still have a few days.
“Those are some of the discussions we’re having, whether we want to keep the versatility, add an extra guy who can play multiple positions, whether it’s a lefthanded bat with us facing a lot of righthanded pitching the first few series. Still fluid.”
Money matters
A technicality on Bickford: The $900,000 salary he won in an arbitration hearing against the Mets last month is not guaranteed. If he clears waivers and is released, he would receive…
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