HOUSTON — Jeff McNeil is swinging a bat in the early stages of his comeback from a right oblique strain. The Mets second baseman, according to manager Carlos Mendoza, began hitting off a tee on Friday with a goal of soon progressing to soft toss.

Brett Baty's strong spring training performance appears to have earned him the starting second base job while Jeff McNeil is on the IL.

The front office has acquired, and the player development staff has developed, pitchers with high-end stuff, many of whom are relievers. Manager Carlos Mendoza will utilize these pitchers at all points in games.