Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

Good morning, Mets fans!

Anthony DiComo of MLB.com talks about the excitement for Eduardo Escobar to be able to play for Team Venezuela in the 2023 World Baseball Classic tournament.

The Mets played an exhibition game to Team Venezuela on Thursday and lost 6-4. Metsmerized’s own Jack Ramsey was there and covered the game. Check out his game story here.

WBC Scores

Japan 8, China 1

Italy 6, Cuba 3

  • Matt Harvey: 3 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 0 K
  • Yoenis Céspedes: 0-for-4

Czech Republic 8, China 5

Cuba 13, Panama 4

  • Ruben Tejada 1-for-3, 2 RBI

Latest Mets News

Mets manager Buck Showalter spoke with Adam Jones on the Adam Jones Podcast on Thursday.

Tim Healey of Newsday Sports talks about two changes Drew Smith made during the offseason: his pitching delivery and his diet.

Matt Harvey pitched three scoreless innings in Italy’s 6-3, 10-inning win over Cuba on Thursday morning. Per USA Today, Harvey said the game on his outing: “You know, I know my grandfather is part of the reason I’m able to be here. He’s getting older, and I know he was up this morning to watch it and it’s just special to be able to play for him.”

Latest MLB News 

Per Andrew Marchand of the New York Post, the New York Yankees are eventually expected to have a uniform sponsorship patch, but according to the New York Post, it won’t be before opening day.

Christina De Nicola of MLB.com talks about how after the World Baseball Classic, Ty Kelly plans to go to Triple-A as a coach.

According to Greg Joyce of the New York Post, Carlos Rodon has a mild forearm strain and will not throw for seven to 10 days, per Brian Cashman.

Nabil Crismatt will get the ball in Team Colombia’s opening World Baseball Classic game on Saturday. He spoke with AJ Cassavell of MLB.com about what it means to him to pitch for his country, but especially to be the first to get the ball in the tournament.

The Cincinnati Reds announced on Thursday that Hunter Greene will get the ball on opening day for the Reds.

Per Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic, free-agent first baseman Yuli Gurriel is in agreement on a contract with the Miami Marlins.

Latest on MMO

Rivka Boord discusses Baseball’s Savants stats on catchers and which Mets catcher’s defense should keep that player’s playing time up.

Michael Mayer recaps Matt Harvey’s scoreless three-inning start in Team Italy’s win on Thursday.

Dan Quinones recaps Max Scherzer’s outing on Wednesday against Team Nicaragua.

Christian De Block previews Pool B of the upcoming 2023 World Baseball Classic that officially starts this weekend.

Jack Ramsey discusses Jose Butto’s struggle in his first start since the rotation spot opened.

Colby Morris talks about Bryce Montes de Oca impressing during the spring for Mets Minors.

On this Date in Mets History

1962: The 1962 New York Mets made their spring training debut. They lost the game 8-0 to the Cardinals under Casey Steng.

Birthdays: John Cangelosi (60), Mike Birkbeck (62), Wayne Twitchell (75), Ken MacKenzie (89)