TAMPA, Fla. -- Manager Terry Collins said he plans to bat Matt Harvey eighth on Friday when the New York Mets face the St. Louis Cardinals in Jupiter.

As first reported by the Post, that would give Collins an opportunity to use Juan Lagares as the No. 9 hitter, in a "second leadoff" spot. And it would mean a top of the order of Curtis Granderson No. 1, followed by David Wright No. 2.

The Mets started the pitcher in the No. 8 slot 10 times last season. Jacob deGrom got five starts there and Jonathon Niese four starts because they are the most capable with the bat.

"I know in our market it's a big issue. It'll be a headline, back-page story," Collins said. "But I'll just to do it to see what it looks like. Nothing more than that."