WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. -- John Curtiss continued stating his case on Saturday that he belongs in the Mets’ bullpen. Pitching in place of injured starter Kodai Senga, Curtiss delivered another scoreless inning with two strikeouts against the Nationals.

All told, Curtiss has struck out eight batters in four innings in Grapefruit League play.

“I’m happy with the results, but I’m happier with the process,” Curtiss said. “I feel a lot better that I feel good physically and the ball is coming out of my hand well and that camp’s going well and the team is gelling well. That matters more to me right now than results in the Grapefruit League.”

He added: “But it’s nice to have them.”

Last April, the Mets signed Curtiss to a one-year deal with a second-year option, understanding he would spend the entire season rehabbing from Tommy John surgery. This spring, the right-hander reported to camp healthy, prepared to show the Mets he could be the same pitcher who produced a 2.86 ERA from 2020-21 before injuring his elbow.

Through two weeks of games, Curtiss certainly has done so, which bodes well for him in a crowded bullpen competition. The Mets have three spots up for grabs, with Curtiss, Sam Coonrod, Stephen Nogosek, Tommy Hunter and Bryce Montes de Oca all presenting themselves well so far in camp. Curtiss is at a slight disadvantage because, like Coonrod and Montes de Oca, he still has an accessible Minor League option, meaning the Mets can send him to Triple-A Syracuse without penalty. But if he keeps putting up zeroes, Curtiss will make it difficult for the Mets to go that route.

Asked about the competition, Curtiss quipped that “you don’t make a team on March 11.” A veteran of seven organizations over the last six seasons, Curtiss understands there is only so much within his power.

“By team No. 7, I don’t play GM anymore,” he said.

Debuts on tap
Outfielder Brandon Nimmo, who has not played this spring out of a desire to ease into camp, is scheduled to make his Grapefruit League debut on Sunday afternoon against the Rays.

Reliever David Robertson, who similarly requested to be held out of early games, is penciled in for Monday against the Marlins.

Camp cuts
Catcher Kevin Parada, the Mets' top pick in last year's MLB Draft, was among the team's first wave of spring cuts. In addition to Parada, the club sent outfielder Alex Ramirez and pitchers José Butto, Connor Grey, Grant Hartwig, Eric Orze and Josh Walker to Minor League camp. There are 55 players left in big league camp.