KISSIMMEE, Fla. -- As the defending National League champions, the Mets naturally have great expectations for the upcoming season.
Against the Astros on Saturday at Osceola County Stadium, they got a glimpse of a pitcher who could be a big part of their future when Robert Gsellman made his first Grapefruit League appearance of the spring. After giving up a double to George Springer and an RBI single to Colin Moran to open the game, he settled down and retired six of the last seven batters he faced.
• Spring Training: Schedule | Tickets | More info
"It was his first start," manager Terry Collins said with a shrug after the Mets completed a 3-1 win. "I saw him in the bullpen. He's got great stuff. He's got a great sinker. He's got a nice curveball. He's everything those guys in the Minor Leagues told us. He's going to get a couple more opportunities to go out there and pitch, but I like his stuff. With more experience, he's going to be good."
The 22-year-old right-hander with the Jacob deGrom hair was named the Sterling Organizational Pitcher of the Year in 2015 after going a combined 13-7 with a 2.89 ERA between Class A Advanced St. Lucie and Double-A Binghamton. He's likely to open the year at Triple-A Las Vegas.