Even after ready all offseason to discover a new membership, Tommy Pham didn’t contemplate hanging up the spikes.
It took him proper up till a few hours earlier than first pitch on Opening Day, however Pham did lastly land himself a deal, rejoining the Mets on a minor league pact.
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He spent the previous couple of weeks constructing himself up in the decrease ranges of the system, however was known as upon on Monday to assist spark the struggling membership.
“Happy to be back, happy to be up here,” Pham stated earlier than Monday’s game in Los Angeles. “Still some familiar faces here, lot of smiles on the faces today, so I’m happy that I could provide some sunshine.”
The Mets are hoping that Pham can present extra than simply smiles, although.
He’s already been inserted straight into the beginning lineup, batting seventh and taking part in left area, and Carlos Mendoza has heard nothing however good issues about his new veteran.
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“Competitor, a pro, he goes about his business the right way,” the skipper stated Monday. “When word got out, I got a couple of texts from ex-coaches of his telling me how much you’re going to love this guy — he knows what it takes to play in New York and wants to be a part of it.”
Mendoza expects to primarily use Pham in opposition to lefty pitching, however thinks he nonetheless feels has so much to gives this group as a right-handed bat off the bench.
Heading into his thirteenth MLB season, the 38-year-old actually agrees.
“Body-wise, I’m in better shape than a lot of guys in the league,” Pham stated. “That’s just because of how I work in the offseason — I signed two weeks ago so I still feel there’s a bit left that I need to handle, but for the most part I’m great.
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“I show up. I prepare. I’m just a pro. I know how to play the game, I love the game, that’s what you’re going to get — one thing I told myself this year is I’m going to go harder because I was thinking I want to leave everything on the table.”
