Morning Briefing: Mets Looking For In-House Quintana Replacement

Jim Rassol-USA TODAY Sports

Good morning, Mets fans!

The Mets suffered their first big loss this season as they will be without starting pitcher José Quintana until at least late July, according to the New York Post‘s Mike Puma. Mets general manager Billy Eppler said the pitcher will be shut down for three months as he stays out of the Mets rotation due to a lesion on his rib. Quintana will have bone graft surgery in the area where the injury occurred.

The Post originally reported Quintana had a stress fracture on his rib that would have the Mets shut him down for at least three months. The Mets signed the 34-year-old Quintana to a two-year contract for $26 million this offseason.

The logical replacements to fill that spot vacated by Quintana would be Tylor Megill and David Peterson, both young pitchers who have had starting opportunities with the Mets. Mets brass, per Puma, are “intrigued” with Megill, their opening day starter last year. Peterson has thrived this spring, however, including Tuesday when he threw four scoreless innings.

WBC Scores

Nicaragua 1, Venezuela 4

Former Met Andrés Giménez: 1-for-4, RBI single in the bottom of the fourth

Canada 5, Colombia 0

Former Met Dilson Herrera: 0-for-2

Dominican Republic 10, Israel 0

Former Met Robinson Canó: 1-for-1
Former Met Ty Kelly: 0-for-2

Mexico 2, Great Britain 1

Former Met Taijuan Walker: 4.0 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 8 K

Latest Mets News

Rule 5 pick Zach Greene has cleared waivers and is heading back to the New York Yankees, according to MLB.com‘s Anthony DiComo. Greene had been in limbo since the Mets placed him on outright waivers over the weekend.

The Queens Public Library and the Mets are teaming up to bring fans free special edition Mets library cards that will be available at all Queens Public Library locations starting Saturday, March 25, which also celebrates Mets Amazin’ Day.

Amazin’ Day is a celebration for “the greatest city in the world and the greatest fans in the world.” Fans wearing a Mets cap will grant them access to experiences in select locations around New York City.

A special event will take place at Central Library (89-11 Merrick Boulevard in Jamaica) at 9 a.m. on Amazin’ Day, where fans can hang out with special guests and pick up your special edition Mets library card.

Latest MLB News

Marly Rivera of ESPN says that the Detroit Tigers have put some more limitations on Miguel Cabrera’s continued participation in the World Baseball Classic. Those limitations remain to be determined as Venezuela goes forward in the tournament, but may be as limiting as only one at-bat per game.

Sticking with the Tigers, Eduardo Rodriguez isn’t allowed to pitch for Venezuela the rest of the tournament, their manager, Omar Lopez, said. Reported by Alden Gonzales of ESPN, it’s a mandate from the Tigers. Lopez said he’s going to speak with them to see if they might make a concession for the final, which is when he’d be lined up.

“We have an agreement,” Tigers manager A.J. Hinch said to Jason Beck of MLB.com. “If Venezuela’s still there, he certainly can go back and support that team. But he’s going to pitch once.”