PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. -- New York Mets manager Terry Collins indicated Saturday that he sees competition for two bullpen spots. So that means five near-locks exist.
Jeurys Familia, Addison Reed, Antonio Bastardo and Jerry Blevins are four no-brainers.
Who is No. 5?
While there are no guarantees, Collins suggested Hansel Robles is in firm shape for a bullpen spot as well.
Robles, 25, went 4-3 with a 3.67 ERA in 57 relief appearances last season for the Mets. He actually is due to open the season with a three-game suspension for throwing in the direction of the head of Cameron Rupp with a quick pitch in Philadelphia on Sept. 29. An appeals hearing that may reduce the suspension is due to be heard later in spring training.
As for the remainder of the bullpen, Collins conceded that players who performed under pressure last season for the National League champs would seem to have a leg up. That would appear to bode well for Erik Goeddel and Sean Gilmartin rounding out the bullpen.
"It's very much to their advantage," Collins said about pitchers who contributed to the Mets last season. "...We have seen what they've done under pressure in a pennant race. They're going in as the lead candidates. There's no question."
With Carlos Torres having signed a minor league contract with the Atlanta Braves after being removed from the Mets' 40-man roster, Collins said he would prefer the Mets carry a pitcher in the bullpen who could step in as a spot starter on short notice. Although Gilmartin would appear to have a leg up, Logan Verrett and Rafael Montero also fit that profile.
With the Mets holding their incumbent starters out of the opening five Grapefruit League games, Gilmartin, Verrett and Monero will get chances to start exhibition games the opening week of play.
"In the past it's always been Carlos Torres who stepped up when someone came to the ballpark sick, or they go warm up and their shoulder was stiff," Collins said. "So we need a spot starter. You've got to have someone who is lengthened out. We've got names. Logan is one. Montero is one. Sean Gilmartin is one."
That said, Collins also is curious to see offseason signees Jim Henderson and Stolmy Pimentel. Neither, however, is on the 40-man roster, which is an added obstacle. The Mets' 40-man roster is currently full, although one spot will open up before Opening Day, when Zack Wheeler is moved to the 60-day disabled list.
Henderson, 33, particularly intrigues Collins. He had and 2.70 ERA and 28 saves with the Milwaukee Brewers in 2013.
Henderson had shoulder surgery to repair fraying of the labrum and rotation cuff in August 2014. His fastball averaged 95 mph at the major league level before the procedure.
"His history is very intriguing," Collins said. "I know he is a couple of years out of surgery now, which we're hoping makes a big difference. I saw him in Milwaukee and he was very, very good. I'm just hoping maybe we can catch lightning in a bottle after a couple of years and he reestablishes some strength in his shoulder and he's the guy he once was. Now, is he ever going to be that 96 mph guy? I don't know. But I know one thing: He's pitched in the big leagues and he's had success in the big leagues. You can't find guys with that kind of experience."