Rajai Davis making strong push to make the Mets

JUPITER, Fla. — Rajai Davis’ arm and legs are receiving as much attention this spring as his early hot bat.

The 38-year-old Mets outfielder, who is potentially competing for a major league job after arriving on a minor league contract in the offseason, beat out a grounder for a single in his first at-bat against the Cardinals on Thursday before throwing out Matt Carpenter at the plate from left field to end the third inning.

Davis is 4-for-9 (.444) this spring. His chances of making the Opening Day roster could hinge in part on whether Jed Lowrie (knee) and Todd Frazier (oblique) begin the season on the injured list.

“Even at 38 he still has great speed and he is playing the game the right way,” manager Mickey Callaway said after a 3-2 exhibition victory.

Davis, who can opt out of his contract near the end of spring training, wouldn’t say if he is willing to accept a minor league assignment.

“I think I am going to be ready for the big team to help us win,” Davis said. “I expect to win wherever I go and I expect to win here and I think I can help us win.”

T.J. Rivera isn’t abandoning hope his right elbow will soon respond, allowing him to play in Grapefruit League games.

Rivera had Tommy John surgery in August 2017 and played only six rehab games last year because of discomfort.

“I am trying to make sure I am almost 100 percent before I go out there in a game and speed things up,” Rivera said. “I have been feeling great until I had discomfort recently, but it’s not lingering.”

Pete Alonso went 2-for-3, which included a two-run single to the opposite field.

“He is going to be able to shoot the ball the other way with runners in scoring position because that is the way they want to pitch him, they don’t want to make a mistake in,” Callaway said. “If he’s going to have the ability to do that, he is going to drive in a lot of runs again this year, probably.”

Callaway dismissed the idea the Mets will configure their bullpen with an extra lefty because Bryce Harper is returning to the division.

“We built this team a certain way and we are totally happy with where we are at right now. It’s fantastic,” Callaway said.

Drew Smith had a second straight scoreless bullpen outing this spring by pitching a scoreless third inning in the Mets’ 3-2 victory over the Cardinals in Jupiter, Fla.

Danny Espinosa went 0-for-5 in the DH role with two strikeouts. The former Nationals infielder is in camp on a minor league deal. Espinosa is 1-for-9 (.111) this spring.

Dominic Smith singled coming off the bench for his third hit in five at-bats this spring.

Friday’s schedule: Jacob deGrom will make his second start of the spring as the Mets face the Tigers in Lakeland, Fla.

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