Dedniel Nez shows what Mets missed in playoffs during spring debut as cautious plan awaits

Join Post Sports+ for exciting subscriber-only features, including real-time texting with Mike Puma about the inside buzz on the Mets from spring training PORT ST.LUCIE — When last seen last season, Dedniel Núñez was an important piece of the Mets bullpen.On Monday, the right-hander returned to game action for the first time since August, firing a scoreless inning in a 2-0 exhibition loss to the Rays at Clover Park.Núñez was held back in the Grapefruit League season so he could save bullets for games that count.

Last season, Núñez was shut down by forearm tightness that limited him to only one appearance after July 23.“I felt great today,” Núñez said through an interpreter.“I felt healthy.

I just want to make sure that I continue to feel strong and healthy as I prepare for Opening Day.”Núñez wasn’t on the radar as last spring began, but was sharp early in the season for Triple-A Syracuse and received his opportunity with the Mets, arriving to stay on April 27.In 25 appearances, he pitched to a 2.31 ERA with 48 strikeouts and eight walks in 35 innings.“We’re talking about a guy that wasn’t even in big league camp for us at the beginning of the year,” manager Carlos Mendoza said.“And he comes in and before you know it he’s throwing high-leverage [innings] for us.

We felt it when he went down and we were missing that piece from our bullpen because he took a step forward and that is why keeping this guy healthy is important, especially this guy, because he is a big part of that bullpen.”Núñez watched the Mets postseason run wondering how he might have helped if healthy.The Mets reached Game 6 of the NLCS against the Dodgers before their season ended.“It was a frustrating situation and I thought there were opportunities there that I could have helped contribute to the team’s success,” Núñez said.

“But God has a plan for everything and I am just happy to be back.”There was initially concern when Núñez was sidel...