Morning Briefing: Citi Field Vaccinations Relocate to McFadden's

Good morning, Mets fans!

COVID vaccinations at Citi Field are relocating as opening day approaches, according to WABC-TV. The ballpark’s vaccination facility will move from Jackie Robinson Rotunda to McFadden’s.

Let’s get into Tuesday’s morning briefing.

Latest Mets News

The Mets (6-5) will return to Clover Park this afternoon to take on the Astros (3-8). New York ace Jacob deGrom will be on the bump for his third game against Houston this spring. First pitch is set for 1:10 p.m. and can be seen on the MLB Network and SNY.

Former Met Chasen Bradford announced he was signing with the Braves via Twitter. Check out Rob Piersall’s exclusive on the former Mets pitcher.

Jay Horwitz previewed his latest installment of the Mets Amazin’ Alumni podcast, set to release on Friday. Horwitz says former Met Frank Viola had a pep talk with deGrom back in 2012 as the Mets ace was recovering from Tommy John surgery. Horwitz says that this pep talk “might have saved [deGrom’s] career.”

Justin Koehn is joining the Mets organization as an Associate, Amateur/International Scouting. Koehn previously worked part-time in MLB Data Operations for nearly four years.

Latest MLB News

Former Mets target Maikel Franco, who was snagged by the Orioles on Sunday, will have an MLB deal with the team, per Jon Heyman of MLB Network.

Free agent Ryan Braun said Monday that he’s “strongly leaning” toward retirement in a radio interview. The 37-year-old outfielder has played all of his 14 seasons with the Brewers.

Red Sox utility man Danny Santana was been hospitalized with a foot infection on Monday, according to Sean McAdam of the Boston Sports Journal. Santana is being treated with antibiotics, and there is no timetable for his return.

Former Met Matt Harvey had a much better outing on Monday with Baltimore as the righty struck out four Pirates and allowed five hits through four innings. Orioles manager Brandon Hyde said Harvey hit 96 mph, according to Joe Trezza of MLB.com.

Another former Met Brad Brach has impressed at spring training in Surprise, Arizona, according to Alec Lewis of The Athletic. Brach seems to be making the most out of his minor league deal with the Royals as Lewis says the righty “may be in line for a big-league spot out of camp.”

Righty Dylan Bundy will start opening day for the Angels. Los Angeles will begin its season against the White Sox on April 1.

Corey Brock of The Athletic explains how Mets second baseman Robinson Canó landed with the Mets thanks to breakfast.

Latest on MMO

Matt Musico takes an in-depth look at Jacob deGrom’s career trajectory.

Rob Piersall breaks down Luis Guillorme’s 22-pitch walk against St. Louis’ Jordan Hicks on Sunday.

Matt Musico writes about Arodys Vizcaino’s Grapefruit League debut.

Rich Sparago talks about David Peterson’s second spring training start.

MMO Digital

Prior to the start of each new season on Locked On Mets, host Ryan Finkelstein goes through each position group and ranks the different teams in the National League East.

On today’s episode, Ryan kicks off this series by grading the outfielders in the NL East to rank which team has the best collective outfield in the division.