Hayden Senger competing for Mets backup catcher position

Hayden Senger, 27, is waiting to see if he will be the backup catcher for the New York Mets. He has been in the Mets organization for seven years and believes his experience is valuable. Senger is competing for the job against Jakson Reetz after starting catcher Francisco Alvarez had surgery on his left hand. Senger has been focusing on improving his hitting and received positive feedback from the coaching staff. He recently demonstrated his skills with a strong pickoff play. However, Mets manager Carlos Mendoza says the backup catcher does not need to be a strong hitter. Luis Torrens will start while they wait for Alvarez to recover, who is expected back by early May. Manager Mendoza brought the team's top players to a recent game against the Astros, hinting at the lineup for Opening Day. He mentioned the team still has six games to play before the season starts. Pitcher Dedniel Núñez reported feeling good after his first appearance this spring. José Butto also returned to practice after a groin issue. Mendoza is being cautious with Núñez after he had to stop last season due to an injury. The Mets are also monitoring A.J. Minter's recovery from hip surgery.