With two key regulars of the Mets' infield -- third baseman David Wright and second baseman Daniel Murphy -- nursing injuries, manager Terry Collins devised a contingency plan Sunday in case the two are unavailable for opening day.
Justin Turner, who has the ability to play several positions in the infield, would assume Wright's spot at third base, while Jordany Valdespin could take over second base, which would place a short-term hold on his development as an outfielder.
After cracking the majors for the first time last season, Valdespin has improved immensely on offense this spring. He slugged his fourth homer in Grapefruit League play Sunday against Atlanta and is now carrying a .378 batting average through 13 games.