Good morning, Mets fans,

Mets manager Carlos Mendoza reports that Jeff McNeil is making positive strides in his recovery. McNeil is scheduled to resume batting on Saturday and is expected to focus on defensive play only during a minor league game on Friday. Mendoza mentioned on Thursday that McNeil, managing a biceps issue, had yet another productive day and is pain-free.

Now onto the morning briefing

Latest Mets News

Jay Horwitz, the Mets Vice President of Alumni Relations writes that on March 14, former Met and team Hall of Famer Howard Johnson is set to be honored with the esteemed Thurman Munson Award during the 44th annual Thurman Munson Dinner at Chelsea Piers.

The Mets won 3-1 on Thursday, with Francisco Álvarez showing off at the plate and behind the plate.

Latest MLB News

According to ESPN’s Kiley McDaniel, there is an agreement between the Boston Red Sox and right-hander Brayan Bello on a six-year, $55 million contract extension. The deal also includes a seventh-year club option worth $21 million, securing the 24-year-old with the Red Sox into the 2030s.

Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic reports that pitcher Eric Lauer has signed with the Pittsburgh Pirates on a minor league deal.

Pitcher Trevor Bauer will play for a team called Asian Breeze this weekend. The travel team will play against Dodgers minor leaguers on Sunday in Arizona. Multiple reports say players typically have to pay Asian Breeze around $2,600 to play on the team.

Latest on MMO

Francisco Álvarez powers Mets past Nationals 3-1

The 1988 Mets head to the Mets Madness Championship.

The Prospect Spring Breakout Game Rosters Have Been Released.

On This Date In Mets History

1966: On this day in 1966, Casey Stengel received an unexpected honor when Veterans Committee chairman Ford Frick ambushed him at an award ceremony for Mets’ president GM George Weiss. Stengel, who retired due to a broken hip in 1965, was unanimously elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame. The surprise was partly due to a rule change made specifically for him, allowing managers over 65 to become eligible after just six months of retirement instead of the usual five years. Stengel, known for his love of the absurd, officially became eligible on February 30, a date that hadn’t appeared on a calendar since 1712.

Birthdays: Tommy Pham (36)