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On Friday, Mets legend Darryl Strawberry was released from the hospital following a heart attack he suffered Monday. In a story written by Bill Ladson of MLB.com, Strawberry said he’s feeling good but has been told he can’t travel or preach for a month. Strawberry also said he believes his life was saved by his wife, Tracy, who insisted that he go to the emergency room after experiencing chest pains. Thankfully, this was nothing more than a scare for one of the greatest players in Mets history.
Latest Mets News
The Mets played two games on Friday, with one of them being their Spring Breakout game. The Mets’ prospects took down the Nationals’ prospects 4-2, with the Mets receiving contributions from a handful of top prospects. Check out our recap to get the full picture. Additionally, the Mets lost 7-3 in their regular spring training game against the Nationals. Check out our recap for both the good and the bad from that game.
The Mets continued to make roster cuts on Friday, most notably optioning Joey Lucchesi to Triple-A. Lucchesi was an option to take a rotation spot especially with Senga out to start the season, but this move confirms that he’ll start the year in the minors. Additionally, Reed Garrett was optioned to Triple-A and Rylan Bannon and Austin Allen were reassigned to minor league camp.
David Stearns spoke to the media about a number of topics. Most significant was the fact that he mentioned Kodai Senga will not throw for another seven to 10 days which would slightly push back his injury timeline. He also continued to commit to Brett Baty and Mark Vientos amid rumors that the Mets had interest in veteran free agents.
The Mets congratulated Edwin Díaz on the birth of his son, Lucas Jose, with a post on X. Díaz has been away from camp the past few days as he welcomes his baby into the world.
Jim McAndrew, a member of the 1969 World Series champion Mets, passed away on Friday at the age of 80.
Latest MLB News
Per Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic, the Astros are seriously pursuing Blake Snell. Snell is the reigning National League Cy Young Award winner after recording a 2.25 ERA in 32 starts for the Padres last year and is reportedly seeking a three-year deal with two opt-outs. The Astros have already made a big splash in free agency with Snell’s former teammate Josh Hader.
The Oakland A’s signed former Met J.D. Davis to a one-year, $2.5 million deal. Davis was recently released from the Giants following their signing of Matt Chapman, and he now gets a chance to be a full-time player across the bay.
The Cardinals signed manager Oliver Marmol to a contract extension. The team announced that it is a two-year extension through the 2026 season. Marmol led the Cardinals to 93 wins in 2022 but the team largely underachieved this past season.
The Rays announced that they signed Jake Odorizzi to a minor league contract with an invite to big league camp. Odorizzi missed the entire 2023 season after undergoing right shoulder surgery.
Per Jeff Passan of ESPN, the Pirates signed Michael A. Taylor to a one-year, $4 million deal. Taylor spent 2023 with the Twins and recorded 21 home runs, though his best skill is his defense in center field.
Per Robert Murray of FanSided, the Reds signed reliever Justin Wilson to a major-league deal. The former Met spent 2022 with Cincinatti and now returns after not pitching in the majors in 2023.
Ben Nicholson-Smith of Sportsnet wrote about two minor leaguers in the Blue Jays’ system who have added knuckleballs to their arsenal. Nicholson-Smith notes that this has prompted former Blue Jay and noted knuckleballer R.A. Dickey to join Blue Jays camp to work with them.
Outfielder Kole Calhoun announced his retirement via Instagram.
Latest on MMO
Jordan Baron breaks down the Mets’ positional outlook at designated hitter.
Michael Famulari notes that José Butto continues to make a case for a rotation spot.
Andrew Steele-Davis runs through the latest updates from Mets camp, both good and bad, over the last few days.
On This Date in Mets History
1961: The New York State Legislature approved funding for the creation of a new stadium in Flushing Meadows Park. That, of course, was the first step in the creation of the legendary Shea Stadium.
Birthdays: Jacob Rhame (31), Curtis Granderson (43), Abraham Núñez (48), Don Florence (58), Rich Puig (71)
