Luis Robert Jr. made his spring debut for the Mets, playing five innings in center field in their 3-1 loss to the Cardinals. This makes him one of the two key players to the team's projected Opening Day lineup who had been absent from the Grapefruit League. Francisco Lindor, who is currently recovering from hamate bone surgery, is the only projected opening day starter for the team. Robert, who arrived in a January trade from the White Sox, has been playing defense in minor league games as he awaits clearance to begin taking at-bats. Despite a history of leg injuries, Robert was slow-played this spring to keep him healthy for a long time. Manager Carlos Mendoza suggested that Robert might start in back-to-back games.