McCann Scratched With Back Tightness, Marte Hits Off Tee

While speaking with reporters on Tuesday afternoon in Port St. Lucie, New York Mets manager Buck Showalter provided injury updates on his banged-up starting center fielder and catcher.

Starling Marte, who is suffering from a sore left oblique, hit off a tee on Monday for the first time since his injury. The Mets have been taking a cautious approach with the 33-year old outfielder, but Showalter said they are encouraged with how he is progressing.

And with some new news on the injury front, Showalter also revealed that catcher James McCann has been scratched from tonight’s starting lineup against the Houston Astros due to back tightness.

While the veteran backstop has dealt with back issues in the past, Showalter said the team isn’t too concerned and McCann likely would’ve been out there if it were a regular-season game.

Tomas Nido will take McCann’s place behind the plate, catching Jacob deGrom’s spring training debut (two innings, per Showalter) at Clover Park. You can see the action live on SNY with first pitch scheduled for 6:10 PM.