Morning Briefing: Jeff McNeil to Resume Swinging Bat Today

Good morning, Mets fans!

Mets manager Carlos Mendoza told reporters on Friday that Jeff McNeil will resume swinging a bat today. McNeil has been sidelined for the last several days as he deals with a left bicep issue that arose while swinging a bat. Fortunately, the injury does not appear serious at all, and it shouldn’t affect McNeil’s status for the start of the season.

Jeff McNeil. Gregory Fisher-USA TODAY Sports

Latest Mets News

The Mets defeated the Marlins 3-1 in spring training action on Friday. Check out our recap to see which players impressed.

The Mets made more roster cuts on Friday. Taylor Kohlwey, Chad Smith, and Nate Lavender were reassigned to minor league camp. Additionally, Alex Ramírez was optioned to Double-A Binghamton, and Grant Hartwig and Josh Walker were optioned to Triple-A Syracuse.

The Mets installed new LED lights at Citi Field over the offseason. They can be synced to music and will be used during Edwin Díaz‘s entrances this season. Díaz spoke about the lights, saying he appreciates the Mets’ willingness to improve the game for fans.

Laura Albanese of Newsday wrote about Francis Mendoza, the wife of Carlos Mendoza, and how she gave up her career to support her family.

Latest MLB News

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts told reporters on Friday that Mookie Betts will become the primary shortstop for the Dodgers with Gavin Lux taking over second base.

Per Buster Olney of ESPN, the Blue Jays have extended Joey Votto a non-roster invite to spring training. Votto spent the first 17 years of his career with the Reds, where he was a six-time All-Star and the National League MVP in 2010. Now, he gets a chance to play for his hometown team in Toronto.

Per Sam Dykstra of MLB Pipeline, Reds prospect Noelvi Marté is being suspended 80 games after testing positive for Boldenone, a performance-enhancing drug. Marte impressed in his first MLB action last season, and will now have to wait until midseason before he makes his 2024 debut.

Craig Mish of the Miami Herald reported that the Marlins have had discussions with free agent J.D. Martinez, a Miami native. Mish noted, however, that the Marlins like their DH tandem of Jake Burger and Josh Bell, and that Martinez is currently seeking a two-year deal.

Mark Feinsand of MLB.com reported that Ryne Stanek agreed to a deal with the Mariners. Stanek was fantastic in 2022 with a 1.15 ERA, but he came back down to earth in 2023 with a 4.09 ERA.

Cardinals president of baseball operations John Mozeliak told reporters on Friday that Lars Nootbaar has fractured ribs.

Robert Murray of FanSided reported that the White Sox signed Brad Keller to a minor league contract. Keller has spent the first six years of his career with the Royals and posted a 4.57 ERA in 45 1/3 innings in 2023.