New York Mets non-roster invitee Eduardo Nunez has apparently earned himself a more in-depth audition for his new team with his encouraging 8-for-25 start at the plate this spring (double, triple, five RBIs, two strikeouts).

Per Tim Healey of Newsday, Mets skipper Luis Rojas said Nunez, 32, will begin to see time at shortstop — a position he hasn’t played regularly since 2013 (75 appearances with the Yankees in 2013; -10 DRS, -13.4 UZR) — and the corner outfield spots — 163.2 innings in the corners with San Francisco is his career-high and he hasn’t played the outfield since — over the next two weeks.

Clearly, the Mets are trying to find a spot for the Dominican product on their 26-man roster. After a disappointing season in 2019 (.228/.243/.305, 35 wRC+), this early production is an encouraging sign. Whether it’s sustainable is another question altogether.

More quality depth is always a good thing and, as we’ve seen over the last two seasons, versatility has become a hallmark of this organization.

Spring Training is the perfect time to see if Nunez can provide serviceable defense at a variety of positions. It will also give his hot start at the plate some time to breathe. If Nunez continues to hit, it might be tough to keep him off this roster.

Luis Guillorme, who is the only other viable, MLB-ready shortstop on the roster bubble (excluding Andres Gimenez, of course), is a terrific fielder and showed some promise of his own over the final two months of last season (.282/.378/.462 over 47 plate appearances from August 5 through the end of the year).

Unfortunately, after a quick start this spring, Guillorme’s offense — along with most of his teammates not named Brandon Nimmo or Jeff McNeil — has petered out (4-for-24, seven strikeouts). While his defense is pristine, if he can’t be counted on at the plate, the Mets may have to go with the hot hand.

As Jacob Resnick of MMO noted on Monday’s episode of Simply Amazin’, without Jed Lowrie in the picture, there is certainly a scenario where both Nunez and Guillorme make the Opening Day roster. With just over two weeks until the first pitch of the season, it appears the Mets are exploring all their options.

We’ll keep you posted with more information as it becomes available.