Good morning Mets fans. The Mets will take on the St. Louis Cardinals today with Steven Matz on the mound vs Adam Wainwright. The game will be at 1:10 PM in Port St. Lucie at First Data Field and will be televised by SNY.
Yesterday, Zack Wheeler made his second start of the spring as the Mets lost to the Nationals by a score of 3-1. Wheeler lasted 2.1 innings, threw 50 pitches, and allowed two runs on three hits while striking out a pair. The big news however, was that he sat around 94-95 MPH and even hit 97 at one point.
LATEST METS NEWS
Veteran infielder Kelly Johnson is still currently looking for a major league deal according to Jon Heyman of Fan Rag Sports. The Braves have yet again shown interest in Johnson and you have to wonder if the Mets will the longer David Wright is out for.
Heyman also reports that Mets closer Jeurys Familia is certainly expected to receive a suspension for his domestic violence arrest, but it’s not going to be for very long. The indication continues to be that MLB will wait until after the WBC is over to make their ruling.
Rafael Montero, who walked four batters over 1.2 innings and allowed two earned runs in his last relief appearance on Wednesday, could be losing his battle to win a bullpen job. There’s a lot of stiff competition for those final two bullpen spots and Montero needs to finish strong if he expects to nail down one of those spots.
Brandon Nimmo might return to Grapefruit League action on Saturday, according to Terry Collins. Nimmo injured his hamstring on Sunday while playing for Italy in the World Baseball Classic and was initially believed he would be out for 2-3 weeks. This gives the former first rounder a good chance to still make the team as the fifth outfielder.
The Mets announced their partnership with McDonald’s has been extended through the 2019 season. Key elements include McDonald’s becoming the presenting sponsor of McDonald’s Family Sundays, and when the Mets win on Sundays, McDonald’s customers will win too. All fans in attendance will win a free food item from participating McDonald’s restaurants by redeeming their ticket stub. Free Big Macs!
Mets pitchers are expected to start hitting in games today Terry Collins said after Wednesday’s 3-1 loss to the Washington Nationals.
NL EAST RUMBLINGS
Marlins third baseman Martin Prado left Wednesday’s WBC game between the USA and Venezuela with a minor hamstring injury. He has left the WBC to return to Marlins camp and will undergo further testing. Full story by Andre Fernandez at the Miami Herald.
Nationals ace Max Scherzer threw 54 pitches in a minor league game on Thursday and is now on track to make his Grapefruit League debut on Wednesday as he recovers from a fractured right ring finger. More on the story from Chelsea Jane of the Washington Post.
RECENTLY ON MMO
Michael Mayer writes about the Mets possibly carrying three lefty relievers to begin the season.
Over at MetsMinors.net, we take a look at the number 81-85 ranked prospects in the Mets system.
Graphic designer and die-hard Mets fan David Dolinsky sent in his latest creation, a stunning Jose Reyes graphic.
THIS DAY IN METS HISTORY
Mets born on this date; Juan Lagares (28) and Vance Wilson (44).
