Mets’ manager Mickey Callaway addressed the media at Citi Field prior to Tuesday’s game vs. the Washington Nationals and talked about the progress of starter Jason Vargas, outfielder Michael Conforto, the possibility of first baseman Dominic Smith playing outfield and what Seth Lugo‘s absence from the bullpen means for the rest of the relief corps.

Vargas to Throw Bullpen Session

Left-hander Jason Vargas will throw a bullpen session on Friday and could potentially start this weekend, according to Callaway.

Vargas, 36, has been on the injured list (IL) the last couple weeks after dealing with left hamstring tightness.

In seven games for the Mets this year (six starts), Vargas has a 5.92 ERA, 5.72 FIP and a 1.562 WHIP in 24.1 innings pitched.

The veteran started on Sunday in a rehab start for Double-A Binghamton and tossed four innings of one run ball, and yielded three walks, but struck out five.

Conforto Begins Physical Activity

Mets’ outfielder Michael Conforto, who endured a concussion last week in Washington after colliding with second baseman Robinson Cano, has begun riding a bike, his first physical activity since the injury.

Conforto, 26, as of yesterday had been symptom free for several days. However, it is undetermined if he will return from the IL when he’s eligible. Callaway said the team is unsure as of this point because concussions can be tricky.

The fifth-year outfielder has been good for 2.0 bWAR so far in 2019, while hitting to a .271/.406/.521 clip with nine home runs.

The Washington native is eligible to return on Friday vs. the Detroit Tigers.

Bullpen Update

With right-hander Seth Lugo coming down with right shoulder tendinitis, Callaway says that different bullpen arms will get a chance to step up.

Lugo, 29, has been a bright spot for the Mets’ bullpen in 2019, logging a 3.12 ERA, 2.90 FIP and 11.8 K/9 in 19 appearances.

The Louisiana native last pitched this weekend in Miami, where he allowed a solo home run to former Met, Curtis Granderson.

Callaway mentioned both right-handers Tyler Bashlor and Drew Gagnon as pitchers who will get closer looks with Lugo on the sideline.

As for eighth inning responsibilities, Callaway said Robert Gsellman will get opportunities, but it will likely be a different guy each night. That could include the likes of Bashlor and Gagnon, or even Jeurys Familia, who will sooner or later be introduced back into high-leverage situations.

Dominic Smith, Outfielder?

First baseman Dominic Smith has made it public that he would be fine with playing left field if it meant getting more playing time, but so far the team hasn’t honored those comments.

Smith, 24 next month, is currently seen as an important bench piece alongside J.D. Davis who have “embraced their roles.”

In 2019, Smith has been worth 0.5 bWAR, while hitting .308/.426/.436 in limited duties.