Good morning New York Mets fans, enough of the snow, Opening Day is eight days away! The Mets have their last off day of the spring today, but Matt Harvey took the mound against the Cardinals yesterday.
The Mets defeated the St. Louis Cardinals by a score of 8-7 at Roger Dean Stadium. Matt Harvey turned in yet another very impressive start, and the Mets offense was lifted by some key home runs.
Harvey threw a total of 90 pitches over 5.1 innings and allowed one run on five hits, a walk, and five strikeouts. The spring struggles of Rafael Montero continued as he allowed two runs in just a third of an inning. Hansel Robles finished off the game for New York despite putting a pair of runners on in the ninth.
Brandon Nimmo drove in the Mets first run of the game, bringing home Amed Rosario with a bloop single in the third. A Rosario RBI triple later in the game proved to be the deciding factor. Rosario had three hits and scored a pair of runs on the afternoon.
In the sixth, Adrian Gonzalez hit his first home run of the spring. An inning later Wilmer Flores launched a two-run shot of his own, facing a righty. Travis d’Arnaud continued his strong offensive spring performance as he also chipped in a homer, increasing the Mets lead in the eighth.
Latest Mets News
The Mets made another round of cuts yesterday, including infielders Luis Guillorme and Gavin Cecchini, and lefties P.J. Conlon and Matt Purke.
Mickey Callaway indicated strongly to the media that the Mets can carry both Robert Gsellman and Seth Lugo in the bullpen if they decide they are the two best options.
Callaway also told the media it’s “not looking good,” for Dominic Smith to appear in another game this spring.
Michael Conforto played four innings in center field yesterday as he works his way back. He went 1-for-5 with a walk at the plate.
According to Tim Healy of Newsday, Phillip Evans caught Zack Wheeler’s simulated inning on Monday. Evans is putting the “super” in super utility and said this regarding the situation: “I’m taking advantage of every opportunity I’ve been given. I’m pretty happy with it.”
Latest MLB News
The Baltimore Orioles have signed starting pitcher Alex Cobb to a four-year, $60 million deal pending a physical.
Former MLB player Milton Bradley was reportedly charged with battery on Tuesday after being accused of assaulting his wife.
ESPN takes you “inside the mask” with this Q&A with MLB umpire Ted Barrett.
Once a Met, always a Met. Late Monday night the Dodgers announced infielder Justin Turner broke his wrist after being hit by a pitch in the first inning of the team’s spring training game.
The Seattle Mariners have signed former Met RHP Erik Goeddel.
The Arizona Diamondbacks have released former Met LHP Antonio Bastardo.
The Pittsburgh Pirates have released Daniel Nava.
Kendall Graveman has been named the Oakland Athletics Opening Day starter.
The Athletics have added another name to their rotation mix, as they have signed RHP Brett Anderson.
Latest NL East News
According to Joe Frisaro of MLB.com, Marlins starter Dan Straily is dealing with some tightness in his right forearm. Straggly will not throw for 4-5 days, though it is not believed to be serious.
Despite a strong spring performance, the Marlins have optioned No.3 prospect RHP Sandy Alcantara to minor league camp.
With no room in the outfield carousel, the Nationals have optioned top prospect OF Victor Robles to AAA Syracuse.
Latest on MMO
On this week’s Talkin’ Mets podcast, Tim Healey of Newsday joins Mike Silva to discuss his thoughts on Kevin Plawecki, Adrian Gonzalez, Dave Eiland and his book on minor league baseball “Hometown Hardball.”
Rob Piersall says Amed Rosario is looking to stay healthy and improve plate discipline in 2018.
This Day in Mets History
1965: In an exhibition game, Gary Kroll and Gordie Richardson combine to keep the Pittsburgh Pirates hitless for nine innings in the Mets’ 6-0 win in St. Petersburg.
2011: Mets announce the release of lefty Oliver Perez.
2013: Mets third baseman David Wright is named the captain of the team, joining John Franco, Keith Hernandez, and Gary Carter as the fourth player to be honored by the franchise.
Birthday’s: Shawon Dunston turns 55, Tommy Davis turns 79.
