Jesse Winker leaves Monday's game early with cramps, 'should be ok'

Mets designated hitter/outfielderJesse Winkerexited Monday's split squad game against the Rays in the bottom of the third inning after his first at-bat and was removed for precautionary reasons.

While popping out in the first inning, Winker stumbled out of the box a bit and initially appeared to come up lame. Manager Carlos Mendoza belayed fears of a more serious injury after the game, reporting that Winker was just dealing with cramps and he is doing "fine."

"Felt something in the calf, he's like, 'It's just a cramp,'" Mendoza said after the Mets' 2-0 loss to Miami. "But, you know, at this point in camp we don't want to take any chances."

Winker, who stayed in the dugout for a bit before heading to the clubhouse, was replaced at DH by prospect Ryan Clifford.

"He went in, trainers took a look at him and confirmed it was just a cramp," the skipper continued. "So, I just talked to him now and he should be ok."

The expectation has been that Winker will be the Mets' regular designated hitter when the regular season begins.