Mets 2B infield prospect Dilson Hererra will start the Triple-A season as the team's designated hitter because he's dealing with shoulder soreness, manager Wally Backman told reporters Wednesday.
Backman said an MRI revealed no structural damage, though Herrera will begin a throwing program after the team's first homestand.
"He's healthy. He played with a sore shoulder last year," Backman said. "He's so young we're going baby steps."
Backman's Triple-A 51's open their 2016 season tonight against Fresno at 10 p.m. ET in Las Vegas.
Herrera, 22, will again return to Triple-A, where he really doesn't have much else to work on.