Carlos Mendoza happy with first dress rehearsal as Mets manager

PORT ST. LUCIE — Carlos Mendoza was encouraged by the manner that his first dress rehearsal as Mets manager progressed Saturday.

Working alongside his coaching staff in a game situation for the first time, the rookie manager felt the lines of communication were clear.

“We got down early in the game, but we were still locked in with the sign system,” Mendoza said after the Mets’ 10-5 loss to the Cardinals at Clover Park in the Grapefruit League opener.

Mendoza’s lieutenants include bench coach John Gibbons, pitching coach Jeremy Hefner and hitting coach Eric Chavez.

Mendoza isn’t a novice at guiding an MLB team through a game: As Yankees bench coach he took the helm 24 times over four seasons after manager Aaron Boone was ejected.

So it’s understandable that Mendoza said he didn’t feel any jitters Saturday.

“It’s one of those where you go through the pregame work and then it’s go time,” Mendoza said.

Mendoza said he’s confident Shintaro Fujinami will receive enough work to be ready for the season despite his disruption in schedule.

The reliever returned to Japan this week to attend to a personal matter.

During his visit home Fujinami also intends to obtain his work visa, according to a source, that will allow him to appear in the Grapefruit League.

Mendoza noted the fact Fujinami is a reliever and doesn’t need to build up a pitch count will allow him to prepare for the season faster than a starter.

After leaving the Yankees, who ban facial hair beyond a mustache, Mendoza is sporting a goatee in spring training.

“My wife likes it, so that is a good thing,” Mendoza said.

Jose Butto and Max Kranick are the Mets’ scheduled starting pitchers the next two days, with the team considering a bullpen game on Tuesday.

It’s possible the Mets will start using pitchers from the projected starting rotation as soon as Wednesday.

Along the way, the Mets plan to use prospects such as Christian Scott, Mike Vasil and Dominic Hamel to piggyback the starters.

Francisco Lindor will conduct a clinic Sunday at Clover Park for 50 children from two local Little Leagues and Boys and Girls Clubs. In addition to teaching fundamentals, Lindor will speak to the importance of sportsmanship.