Tauchman has MRI after exiting spring game with left knee discomfort

PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. -- Throughout Spring Training, Mets officials have been reluctant to handicap roster competitions, noting frequently that unexpected factors can change things in a hurry.

One such factor may have revealed itself in the middle innings on Saturday, when outfielder Mike Tauchman began experiencing visible discomfort in his left knee. Tauchman appeared hobbled running out of the box on a third-inning groundout, then again while pursuing a Yainer Diaz double in the top of the fourth. An inning later, Tauchman attempted to take the field but could not, pulling himself from the game -- a 7-5 loss to the Astros at Clover Park.

Tauchman underwent an MRI exam on Saturday afternoon, manager Carlos Mendoza revealed.

"We've just got to wait and see what we're dealing with and go from there," Mendoza said.

Even if the injury winds up being minor, it is significant given that less than a week remains before Opening Day. Tauchman, Carson Benge and Vidal Bruján are battling for the final two spots on New York’s roster, with Benge seemingly taking a recent lead given his strong Grapefruit League play. But there is room on the roster for both Benge and Tauchman, provided the Mets are willing to proceed without a true backup shortstop on their bench. And provided both players break camp healthy.

Tauchman, 35, has a recent history of lower-body injuries, including a torn meniscus in his right knee that required surgery last September.

"Anytime you send someone for an MRI, obviously there's a little bit of concern," Mendoza said. "But we've just got to wait and see what happens. I've been saying a lot can happen before we make the final decisions, and here we are, dealing with an injury."

The Mets signed Tauchman on Feb. 19 to augment their outfield depth. The move also created competition for Benge, the organization’s No. 2 prospect, who is batting .368 in Grapefruit League play. Both players have impressed Mets officials, with Tauchman showcasing a keen batting eye and some extra-base pop. He has one homer, three doubles, four walks and an .819 OPS in 13 spring games.

Tauchman has an escape clause in his contract, scheduled for Wednesday, which he can exercise if the Mets do not add him to their active roster by that point. But that could become moot should he wind up on the injured list.

If Tauchman is not healthy enough to make the Opening Day roster, it would clear space for both Benge and Bruján. The Mets could also look to supplement their roster with an outside acquisition.