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

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.

Manager Carlos Mendoza said after the game that Winker was removed for precautionary reasons due to cramping, adding that Winker 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 okay."

After getting treatment on the calf, Winker said he "feels better" and is "not really too concerned about it."

"It just cramped up," he continued. "[Athletic trainer Bryan] Baca and Mendy, they were just like, 'let's go get treatment, let's just play it smart.' It was the right move."

With the Mets having Tuesday off, the DH expects to be able to return to the lineup later this week.

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