PORT ST. LUCIE — Jason Vargas’ teammates the last time he had pitched for the Mets included Carlos Delgado, Pedro Martinez and Billy Wagner, and Citi Field was still under construction.
Back then Vargas was a kid with a sore hip trying to make an impression on club officials. Now he’s an established pitcher with a new two-year contract worth $16 million and the guarantee of a rotation spot.
The Mets received their first new look at the veteran lefty Thursday, in his exhibition season debut. Vargas allowed a solo homer to Garrett Cooper over two innings in the Mets’ 3-2 loss to the Marlins at First Data Field.