Griffin Canning dominant, Francisco Lindor notches two hits as Mets fall to Rays

Yahoo

17-03-2025

The Mets lost to the Rays, 2-0, on Monday afternoon as their spring training slate continued.
- Griffin Canning looked sharp while striking out three batters in the first inning, but also made one costly mistake -- leaving a pitch up to Josh Lowe, who cracked a solo homer to right-center field.
That was the only big mistake Canning made all day, as he mostly toyed with the Rays' hitters.
Over 4.2 innings, Canning allowed three hits and one run while walking one and striking out nine, lowering his spring training ERA to 0.90.
Canning is battling with Paul Blackburn and Tylor Megill for the final two spots in the starting rotation, but the expectation is that all three pitchers will make the 26-man Opening Day roster -- with two on the starting staff and one in the bullpen.
- Designated hitter Jesse Winker left the game early due to cramping in his calf.
- Brandon Nimmo started in left field -- his first time playing the outfield since Feb. 28, as he's been dealing with a knee issue.
At the plate, Nimmo went 0-for-2 with a walk.
- Brett Baty got the start at second base as he continues to get the bulk of his action there.
He made a really nice play with one out in the eighth inning, ranging far to his left on a chopper before fielding it and throwing on the run to first base for the out.
Including the above play, Baty cleanly fielded every ball that came his way on Monday.
Baty went 0-for-4 at the dish.
With Jeff McNeil out for Opening Day due to an oblique injury, Baty could have the inside track to the regular second base job to start the season.
- Francisco Lindor smoked a single to right field in his second at-bat and added a pop fly double his third time up. He finished 2-for-4.
- Dedniel Núñez made his spring training debut and was sharp, retiring the side in order in the seventh inning. He hit 98 mph with his fastball, and finished his outing by getting a swinging strikeout on an 89 mph slider.
- Jose Butto, who had been out of game action for just over a week due to a groin issue, pitched the eighth inning. Butto, whose fastball was up to 95 mph, worked around a soft one-out single to toss a scoreless frame.
Two more strikeouts for Griffin Canning and he's got five in the first two innings ♨️ pic.twitter.com/yUYmpAQSks
— SNY (@SNYtv) March 17, 2025
Francisco Lindor with the smooth backhand 💪 pic.twitter.com/Ad53q2IR9d
— SNY (@SNYtv) March 17, 2025
Griffin Canning has struck out seven of the ten batters he's faced 🔥 pic.twitter.com/yt4XdXkrG0
— SNY (@SNYtv) March 17, 2025
A base hit for Francisco Lindor! pic.twitter.com/gYYMxqlSKF
— SNY (@SNYtv) March 17, 2025
Two more strikeouts for Griffin Canning and he's up to nine in four innings 💪 pic.twitter.com/Khkou4knwZ
— SNY (@SNYtv) March 17, 2025
Francisco Lindor's second hit of the afternoon! pic.twitter.com/OJbCDxmWz7
— SNY (@SNYtv) March 17, 2025
Dedniel Núñez with a 1-2-3 inning in his return to the mound! 🙌 pic.twitter.com/yAmYOwLtxb
— SNY (@SNYtv) March 17, 2025
Brett Baty runs down the chopper and throws to José Buttó for the out! pic.twitter.com/FVMAknF74w
— SNY (@SNYtv) March 17, 2025
The Mets are off on Tuesday.
They travel to face the Astros on Wednesday at 6:05 p.m.