The Tribune

By RENALDO DORSETT

Tribune Sports Reporter

rdorsett@tribunemedia.net

WARREN Saunders received the call up to join the New York Mets for Spring Training in the Grapefruit League and just hours later, reached a career milestone.

Saunders substituted for All-Star first baseman Pete Alonso and in his second at bat, doubled on a sharp line drive to left field for his first hit with the big league club.

The exit velocity of Saunders’ hit off St. Louis Cardinals pitcher Drew Smith, was measured at 107 mph.

Saunders finished 1-3 and the Mets eventually lost 7-2 at Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium in Jupiter, Florida.

In 2021, the 23-year-old infielder spent the season with the St.Lucie Mets in the Low-A Southwest League.

He hit .249 with a .632 OPS, 44 RBI and three home runs.

Saunders was honoured by his St. Lucie club for his standout play throughout June when he was named the club’s player of the month.

In 21 games over that timespan, he hit .325 with 26 hits, 10 RBI, 13 runs, two home runs, two doubles, and one triple.

After he signed with the Mets in 2018, he spent the 2019 season with the GCL Mets of the Gulf Coast League.

In 33 games, he hit .323 with a .783 OPS, 41 hits, 56 total bases, 20 RBI and scored 25 runs.