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Carlos Carrasco makes declaration in promising Mets injury update

PORT ST. LUCIE – Carlos Carrasco played catch Sunday at the Mets spring training complex, after which he left no ambiguity about his intentions for the start of the season. “Oh yes, I will be

PORT ST. LUCIE – Carlos Carrasco played catch Sunday at the Mets spring training complex, after which he left no ambiguity about his intentions for the start of the season.

“Oh yes, I will be ready,” Carrasco said.

Manager Luis Rojas would prefer to take a more cautious approach with the right-hander, who was shut down from throwing last week after incurring elbow discomfort following a live batting practice session. Even so, Rojas didn’t dismiss the possibility Carrasco would be ready.

Carrasco previously dealt with such soreness in spring training with the Indians and recovered through similar rest. At this point, Rojas will take a wait-and-see approach with Carrasco, who still hasn’t appeared in a Grapefruit League game this spring.

“It’s great to hear his optimism,” Rojas said. “I am staying in range, but I have got to respect a guy like Carlos who knows his body very well. He’s an experienced pitcher. Let’s see this unfold now throughout this week and then we can see if he’s going to be ready.”

Mets pitcher Carlos Carrasco at Mets spring training on Feb. 28, 2021.
Corey Sipkin

Carrasco is expected to play catch again Monday before throwing a side session the following day. Rojas recently mentioned the possibility of Carrasco facing live hitters later this week, but wasn’t ready to commit to that timeline on Sunday.

If Carrasco isn’t ready to start the season, the Mets could pick among David Peterson, Joey Lucchesi and Jordan Yamamoto, all of whom are competing for the No. 5 job in the rotation, to fill that spot.

“I have been doing this in the past,” said Carrasco, who turns 34 next weekend. “I know my body. I know my routine. I know everything, but I am going to be ready for the season. I just started throwing today, but I will be ready.”

Rojas said by the end of the week team officials should have a better understanding about Carrasco’s situation. Carrasco won’t necessarily have to start an exhibition game to get ready, according to Rojas.

“This guy is an experienced guy, he’s thrown in a lot of games, playoff games, you name it,” Rojas said. “He’s got the feel for competition at the major league level and he’s been successful, so for him to go through this progression and ramp up and being healthy, that’s our main goal. If he doesn’t face an opposing [uniform] I think Carlos will be the same Carlos that we expect to have.”

This story originally appeared on: NyPost - Author:Mike Puma

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