Vinny

Rottino

Torres hasn’t played since March 20 due to a left calf strain, but the Mets are confident he’s making progress. If he begins the season on the disabled list, Scott Hairston will likely start in center field while Vinny Rottino will make the team as a righty bat off the bench.

The Mets originally hoped to have Torres play in a Grapefruit League game on Saturday, but they have now decided to keep him on the minor league side so they still have the ability to backdate a potential DL-stint. If he is unable to start the season on time, Scott Hairston would start in center field while Vinny Rottino would make the team as a right-handed bat off the bench.

Rottino was cleared to make room for Ronny Cedeno’s return from the disabled list. He went 0-for-4 during his brief stint with the big club.

He’ll take a seat against the left-hander Cliff Lee. Vinny Rottino will make the start in left field while Rob Johnson starts behind the plate and Justin Turner plays shortstop. The Mets might be praying for rain right now.

Rottino might only be around for a few days, as the Mets will need a No. 5 starter next week. He’ll give them some versatility while on the roster.

Rottino went 2-for-14 as a September call-up with the Marlins this season, his first major league action since 2008. The 31-year-old is capable of playing both corner infield and outfield positions as well as behind the plate. He will likely serve as organization depth at the Triple-A level.

The 32-year-old utilityman should meet up with the Mets on Monday in Pittsburgh. Rottino went 0-for-4 earlier this month in a short stay on the major league roster.

The Mets have been committed to letting Davis figure things out at the major league level, but he’s being used as a platoon player at this point. Vinny Rottino is getting the start at first base against the Yankees’ Andy Pettitte.

Rottino, who was claimed off waivers from the Mets in June, was hitting .291/.351/.440 with five home runs, 41 RBI and a .791 OPS in 60 games at Columbus. He has some ability against southpaws, but is unlikely to have a significant role down the stretch.

Rottino’s solo shot in the first inning was the first home run of his major league career. The 32-year-old journeyman was hitting well at Triple-A Buffalo and may get some more at-bats at first base with Ike Davis being benched against some southpaws, but he can be ignored in the great majority of fantasy leagues.