New York Mets vs. Miami Marlins: Play-by-Play Spring Training Analysis

The New York Mets will host the split-squad Miami Marlins at Tradition Field Saturday at 1:10 p.m. ET.

Mets starter John Lannan faces Kevin Slowey of the Marlins. Lannan is one of several candidates for the No. 5 spot in the starting rotation.

The Mets lost to the Washington Nationals 5-4 Friday, but starting infield and outfield candidates rose to the occasion. Pitching prospects Rafael Montero and Jacob deGrom dazzled.

Ike Davis ended the day on a high note with a two-run blast in the fifth inning. Lucas Duda, who hit as the designated hitter, also impressed with a broken-bat ground-rule double. The battle for first base is heating up with extra-base hits.

Juan Lagares impressed with a single and a double. He needs to keep hitting if he wants to start in the outfield with Chris Young, who hit a single, and Curtis Granderson.

Last season, the Mets lost 11 of their 19 games against the Marlins, who finished in last place in the National League East. The Fish swept the Mets in 2013 after sweeping the New York Yankees. Mets relievers gave up four runs after the sixth inning Friday. The bullpen needs to keep the game competitive.

Here is the Mets starting lineup:

Chris Young, CF, Kirk Nieuwenhuis, RF, Andrew Brown, DH, Lucas Duda, 1B, Zach Lutz, 3B, Taylor Teagarden, C, Matt den Dekker, LF, Anthony Setatelli, 2B, Omar Quintanilla, SS