Good Morning Mets Fans. The Grapefruit League has come to a close as we inch closer to opening day on Monday. The Mets will play against it’s Triple-A affiliate, the Las Vegas 51s today as Jacob deGrom takes the mound in his final tuneup for the regular season.
After today’s game the Metropolitans head back to Queens for Friday’s game against Army at Citi Field.
LATEST METS NEWS
Yesterday, Rafael Montero continued his spring success as he pitched two scoreless innings while allowing just one hit and striking out two. His final line this Grapefruit League season was a thing of beauty. He ended with a 1-0 record and an ERA of 1.77 in 20.1 innings pitched. Montero struck out 23 batters in that time, also pitching to a WHIP of 1.13. The once top prospect could be on the verge of a resurgence and has seemingly pitched his way onto the opening day roster. Read more from Kristie Ackert in the NYDN.
We also learned yesterday that Steven Matz will more than likely not be heading north with the Metropolitans to start the season. Matz has continued to have discomfort in his elbow and was sent for an MRI to further diagnose the issue. The string of injuries continue for Matz as the dream of seeing the fab five all at once continues to be a thing of imaginations. Either Zack Wheeler or Seth Lugo will likely take Matz’s spot in the rotation to start the season. Read more from Mike Puma in the NY Post.
Major League Baseball set down their suspension terms to Jeurys Familia on Wednesday. The Mets’ closer will only miss 15 games to start the 2017 season as MLB found no evidence of physical assault in his case. His conduct on the night in question though was still found to be unacceptable under the league’s domestic violence policy as being the reason for the suspension. Read more from Abbey Mastracco on NJ.com.
Matt Ehalt of NorthJersey.com gives his five keys to the Mets’ 2017 season.
John Perrotto of FanRagSports.com advises that the team’s fragile rotation can count on Noah Syndergaard.
NL EAST RUMBLINGS
Chelsea Janes of the Washington Post believes that if Blake Treinen is the the Nationals closer, their bullpen may be the deepest.
Miami Marlins top prospect, Braxton Garrett is chomping at the bit for competition but will likely have to wait. Read more from Tim Healey in the Sun-Sentinel.
Marcus Hayes of Philly.com believes that Phillies second baseman, Cesar Hernandez still has room for improvement.
Cory McCartney of FoxSports.com takes a look at the greatest opening days in Atlanta Braves history.
RECENTLY ON MMO
Mathew Brownstein holds an exclusive interview with former Mets GM, Jim Duquette.
Over at MetsMinors.net, Jacob Resnick advises that the team signed shortstop Jiovanni Mier to a minor league deal.
THIS DAY IN METS HISTORY
On this day in 2000, the Mets finished up a historic two-game set in Japan against the Chicago Cubs with a 5-1 victory after Benny Agbayani hit a pinch-hit grand slam in the eleventh inning.
Also on the day, in 2015, the Mets completed a trade with the Nationals that sent Matt den Dekker to Washington in exchange for Jerry Blevins.
Former New York Met, Terry Bross turns 51 today.
