It will be his third straight start against a right-hander. No word for sure on if it will come at Brett Baty’s expense, but that seems the likeliest scenario. As things stand now, Acuña probably has the better chance than Baty of sticking around once Jeff McNeil returns.

With the Astros throwing left-hander Framber Valdez, the Mets will turn to Acuña at second base instead of the left-handed-hitter Baty. Acuña didn’t have as impressive a spring, and Baty will likely be on the strong side of the platoon and starting against right-handed pitchers, but it’s worth noting that the Mets are going to give both young players at-bats early in the season. The Mets’ full lineup is: Francisco Lindor SS, Juan Soto RF, Pete Alonso 1B, Mark Vientos 3B, Brandon Nimmo LF, Starling Marte DH, Tyrone Taylor CF, Luisangel Acuna 2B, Luis Torrens C.

Acuña left Saturday’s game with a left arm contusion, the result of a HBP. He started at third base today as he attempts to make the Mets as a utiltyman.

Mets manager Carlos Mendoza told reporters afterwards that Acuña is okay and will be re-evaluated later this weekend after being hit by a pitch on the left arm by Rays ace Shane McClanahan during Saturday’s Grapefruit League showdown. The 22-year-old isn’t being sent for X-rays or any additional testing, which is a positive sign. Fantasy managers should consider him day-to-day for now.