PORT ST. LUCIE — Defense matters.
As much as the Mets initially thought newly acquired Jed Lowrie could, if needed, handle shortstop, the idea of a better defensive player at the position led to the signing of Adeiny Hechavarria over the weekend. Hechavarria’s addition became official Monday, when he passed a physical.
Hechavarria, who arrived on a minor league deal, will back up Amed Rosario.
“I think it’s just making sure that wherever guys are, they succeed,” manager Mickey Callaway said when asked about concerns over Lowrie playing shortstop. “We want to be the best defensive team we can be because of our pitching, and we are going to continue to address that and make sure we are cognizant of that as we move forward.