PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. -- Mickey Callaway had his first big managerial decision Friday, and it came down way before the New York Mets' first pitch was delivered by starting pitcher Zack Wheeler.
A day before when the Mets announced their lineup for their Grapefruit League opener against the Atlanta Braves, prized first baseman Dominic Smith was scheduled to bat cleanup.
However, Callaway scratched Smith on the updated lineup card when the clubhouse opened on game day.
Right-handed slugger Peter Alonso was penciled in at first base, while lefty-swinging Smith was out.