1. Zack Wheeler played catch on Friday and felt fine. He will throw a bullpen session soon, possibly on Sunday. On Wednesday, it was reported that Wheeler felt “tenderness” in his right elbow after his most recent bullpen.
I think it’s safe to say that there was some overreaction to the tenderness news from Wheeler. He has barely pitched the last two plus seasons coming off Tommy John Surgery.
2. Collins is unsure of who will bat leadoff when Jose Reyes isn’t in the lineup. Collins said that the Mets would like to get Reyes in the lineup 3-4 times a week. Reyes talked to reporters as well, saying he will be playing some third base, second base, shortstop and will take some fly balls in the outfield as well.
I would expect Curtis Granderson to leadoff when Reyes isn’t in the lineup, having done so 82 games in 2016 and 140 the season before.
3. Pitching coach Dan Warthen was impressed by new submariner (watch him here) Ben Rowen in his bullpen session today. The Mets signed Rowen to a minor league deal with an invite to big league camp this offseason.
Rowen has struggled in the majors with 6.94 ERA in only 11.2 innings. However, he has posted great minor league numbers with a 1.85, 1.02 WHIP and has allowed only eight home runs in 384.2 innings.
4. David Wright is scheduled to play catch on Sunday for the first time since having neck surgery.
This is a huge step for the Captain in his recovery and let’s hope the throws look better than they did last season.
5. As I previously reported, Mets first base prospect Dominic Smith has lost a significant amount of weight this offseason. Smith said today that he lost 24 pounds while working out and watching what he eats.
Smith’s weight was a big topic of conversation this past season despite him having a career season. Smith has spent a majority of the offseason living with a personal trainer then headed to the Barwis camp. I would expect a huge year from him in Triple-A Las Vegas.
