Observations from Mets spring training Friday:
Catching up
Francisco Álvarez had a pair of hits — including a double — and also threw out a runner trying to swipe second.
Bounce back
Craig Kimbrel struggled with his command in his first outing of the spring and then walked the first batter he faced Friday, but recovered and looked sharp in retiring the next three batters, two by strikeout.
Caught my eye
Luis Robert Jr. homered in a minor league game on a back field in Port St. Lucie.
Carlos Mendoza said Robert “continues to crush pitching” and will play center in minor league games every other day through Wednesday’s off day as he slowly preps for the regular season after being plagued by lower-body injuries with the White Sox.
Saturday’s schedule
Kodai Senga takes the mound when the Mets visit Jupiter, Fla., for a second straight day at Roger Dean Stadium, this time to face the Cardinals at 1:05 p.m.
