Astros’ cheating costs Mets’ Tim Tebow his favorite number

PORT ST. LUCIE — Tim Tebow is wearing No. 85 in camp because his jersey of choice, No. 15, is off limits.

Carlos Beltran reclaimed No. 15 upon arriving as manager in the offseason, but he departed the Mets last month for his role in the Astros’ illegal sign-stealing scheme. The organization refrained from reissuing the number this spring given the awkward situation.

“I like No. 15 a lot, but I totally get it,” Tebow said.

Luis Rojas huddled with players on the mound at one point during pitchers’ fielding practice just to ensure the communication lines were open between his infielders and pitchers.

Rick Porcello was hit hard during live batting practice. Among the shots was a Michael Conforto home run and a Yoenis Cespedes double off the fence.

Eduardo Nunez took grounders at third base behind Jeff McNeil. The former Yankees infielder Nunez was signed to a minor league deal by the Mets recently.

The Mets held their first team-bonding activity of spring training, with a simulated golf outing planned for Tuesday.

Full-squad workouts continue in preparation for Saturday’s split-squad Grapefruit League opener.

Source: Read Full Article