WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — Jorge Polanco has some time to work on the finer points of playing first base — but not too much time, with Opening Day less than a month away.
The veteran infielder took another step in that direction Thursday, playing in a simulated game at Clover Park in Port St. Lucie as he looks to get more comfortable as part of the Mets’ shortstop-filled infield.
“It was a little different at the beginning,’’ Polanco said.
That’s to be expected, as the Mets are rolling the dice on Polanco moving to the corner spot — likely backed up by Mark Vientos and Brett Baty, who are also inexperienced at the position.
Vientos played first base in a 5-0 win over Houston at Ballpark of the Palm Beaches and made a pair of nice plays. Baty, still working his way back from hamstring tightness, also took part in the simulated game and is expected to get time at first base in a Grapefruit League game soon.
Polanco, who Carlos Mendoza said would be used as a DH, said he spoke with Carlos Santana to get some first-base pointers.
Polanco said Santana advised him about the mental challenges of his new position and his responsibilities from pitch to pitch, which are considerably different than they are in the middle of the infield.
Perhaps the most challenging plays, according to Polanco, will be those that involve decision-making, like when to go for a ball hit to his right or let the second baseman get it.
“You’ve just got to go do it,’’ Polanco said before channeling Ron Washington: “Everyone says first base is easy, but it’s harder than you expect,’’ Polanco said. “But this is the perfect time to get ready.”
Tyrone Taylor, somewhat of an afterthought in the early part of spring with Luis Robert Jr. set to take over in center field and Carson Benge grabbing most of the attention in right, slammed a three-run homer after getting the start in center. … Luis Torrens had a pair of hits.
With Francisco Lindor still out with a fractured hamate bone in his left hand, Ronny Mauricio got the start at shortstop Thursday, and Marcus Semien said he was impressed with Mauricio’s communication in the middle of the infield.
