PORT ST. LUCIE — Jeurys Familia skipped a team workout Friday, an absence related to MLB’s ongoing investigation on his arrest last offseason on domestic violence charges, an industry source told The Post.
The Mets reliever was seen leaving the clubhouse at 8:45 a.m. and did not return for the scheduled workout. Team officials offered vague explanations about Familia’s absence, with manager Terry Collins saying the pitcher had to address a personal matter.
Collins said Familia was expected back in camp Saturday.
Familia was arrested Oct. 31 after his wife called 911. According to a police report, Familia’s wife suffered a bruised cheek and scratched chest. Charges were later dropped, but Familia faces a suspension under MLB’s domestic violence policy.
Michael Conforto may have slumped badly last season for the Mets, but his hitting coach isn’t concerned about a potential carryover to 2017.
“Conforto is a great player and he’s going to be a great player,” Kevin Long said. “At some point he is going to struggle, and he did. When you struggle on any team, usually what happens is your playing time dissipates and you can’t get at-acts for that guy.”
Even if Conforto has been fixed, playing time could again become an issue in a crowded outfield that will include Yoenis Cespedes, Curtis Granderson and Jay Bruce.
Last year, Conforto returned from his second demotion to Triple-A Las Vegas — where he batted .422 in 33 games — and mostly was relegated to bench duty for the stretch run.
“He is going to have to find a way,” Long said. “There’s obviously a lot of outfielders here. He’s going to have to find a way to get some at-bats, and the best way to do that is to perform. Sometimes for a young kid that can be an overwhelming task.”
Conforto reported to camp clearly leaner, after losing 7-8 pounds in the offseason, and will also try to show the Mets he’s capable of handling lefties.
“He just needs at-bats against left-handed pitching, he knows he can hit them, he’s hit them his whole life,” Long said. “You have got to get the opportunity to do it, and when you do it, I don’t think it’s the end of the world if he has an 0-for-4 day against them, but it would be nice to be able to get him some at-bats against lefties and get him comfortable.”
David Wright is scheduled to throw Sunday for the first time since his surgery last June for a herniated disk in his neck. Wright has been fielding grounders, hitting and running in workouts.
Zack Wheeler is expected to throw a bullpen session Saturday or Sunday. The righty had elbow discomfort earlier in the week, but indicated there was no soreness Thursday after he played catch.
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