Mets Spring Report: Marcum, Wheeler and Santana Still Out; Feliciano and Duda Back

MURPHY UPDATE: Daniel Murphy, who has been down with a strained intercostal muscle in his right side and was reportedly a week to ten days away from playing in a game, is making progress. Adam Rubin of ESPN reports that Murphy began hitting off a tee today for the first time since suffering the injury and he could be ready to appear in a Grapefruit League game in roughly a week.

WHEELER UPDATE: When it comes to pitching injuries, always bet the over. Have you seen these baseball futures odds at Top Bet? I never rely on a Mets manager for an injury diagnosis. So, forgive me if I don’t totally buy into Terry Collins’ declaration of Zack Wheeler’s right oblique strain “is not that bad.’’ Wheeler already missed one start, and the Mets’ current plans have him missing at least one more. The thinking is he’ll have a bullpen session Tuesday and get in a game in three more days. Of course, that’s all predicated on Wheeler coming out of the bullpen with no tightness or pain.

MARCUM UPDATE: Right-hander Shaun Marcum was temporarily pulled from of the Mets’ Grapefruit League rotation, but the team says he is not injured. Manager Terry Collins said Marcum wants to concentrate on a long-toss program designed to “strengthen his shoulder”. That’s the same shoulder which gave him trouble last season. He could be out until mid-March or two weeks before Opening Day. This is something to monitor.

SANTANA UPDATE: Assuming no setbacks, the timetable for Johan Santana is to throw off a mound today, pitch batting practice or in a “B’’ game Tuesday, then in an exhibition game March 10 or 11. It sounds like a good plan to me, lets hope there are no setbacks.

FELICIANO UPDATE:  Pedro Feliciano has been cleared to resume throwing, but will keep wearing the heart monitor. “He’s cleared to do everything,” manager Terry Collins said. The Mets say that they are certain he will be ready to start the season on time. He will throw a bullpen session today.

DUDA UPDATE: After two days of getting in the cage and working with hitting coach Dave Hudgens on revamping his swing, Lucas Duda is showing signs of progress. After a rough start, he was pulled and given a couple of days to sort things through with his mechanics and Terry Collins is optimistic.

Lot’s of bumps and bruises here to be sure, but so far nothing really major. The Mets are taking plenty of precautions as they should be. Next week I’ll be posting from PSL. Have a great weekend and remember to keep the faith. After all, we are Mets fans…