Morning Briefing: Mets Set Rotation to Start Grapefruit League Play

Ed Delany, MMO

Good morning Mets fans! Mickey Callaway announced his starters for this weekends opening spring games. Zack Wheeler will start Friday, followed by Seth Lugo on Saturday, and Robert Gsellman on Sunday.

Latest Mets News

Tim Britton of the Athletic provides you with the full pitching schedule for the teams first weekend of play here.

Mickey Callaway said Wheeler is still a starting pitcher, and he is in a competition for a rotation spot. “He’s definitely a starting pitcher. For us to be the best team we can be, he has to be a starter.”

According to Anthony Dicomo of MLB.com, the Mets plan on batting Juan Lagares leadoff frequently during spring training to get him extra at-bats. Check out Rob Piersall’s piece on Lagares hitting lead off here.

Dominic Smith tells Mike Puma of the NY Post that his weight loss will equal more home runs in 2018. “I have more whip through the zone instead of being slow through the zone. I think that will help me catch up to higher velocity and help me control my body.”

According to Bryan Kalbrosky, Robert Gsellman has switched agencies to CAA.

Kevin Kernan of the NY Post says being a Met means everything for Todd Frazier and his family. Check out Josh Finkelstein’s piece on Frazier here!

Latest MLB News

One of baseball’s top pitching prospects, Forrest Whitley of the Astros, has been suspended 50 games without pay for a violation of the minor league drug program.

According to Rich Eisen, there is an idea being floated around in MLB for managers to be allowed to bat whoever he wants when trailing in the ninth.

The San Francisco Chronicle has learned that the A’s will open the 2019 season in Tokyo against the Mariners. This is the third time in 12 years the A’s are opening the season in Japan.

Meet Sixto Sanchez, the 19-year old prospect who has a 102 MPH fastball and many are touting as the next Pedro Martinez.

Mark Feinsand of MLB.com has said that Colby Rasmus and the Orioles have agreed to a deal.

Michael Saunders signed a minor league deal with the Pirates, per Bob Nightengale of USA Today.

The Indians have signed former-Met Carlos Torres to a minor league deal with a big league invite, per Chris Cotillo of SB Nation.

Jon Heyman has provided some additional details on Eric Hosmer’s contract. He will make $20M/year from 2018-22, $13M from 2023-2025, and can void the deal after 2022. Hosmer also has a full no trade clause from 2018-2020, and a limited no trade from 2021-2025.

Outfielder Carlos Gomez has agreed to a one year deal with the Tampa Bay Rays, per Jesse Sanchez of MLB.com.

According to Bob Nightengale, David Price helped lure former teammate J.D. Martinez to Boston in hopes of winning World Series together.

Nightengale also provided an update on Orlando Cepeda’s condition. Cepeda is in the hospital with a “cardiac incident,” and he remains in “critical condition.”