Good morning, Mets fans!
The Mets announced Monday that they will wear a jersey patch to honor the late Bud Harrelson this season. The patch will have Harrelson’s number three with his name inscribed on it. A World Series champion as a player and a coach for the Mets, Harrelson passed away in January at the age of 79 after a battle with Alzheimer’s.
Latest Mets News
Sean Manaea struck out seven and allowed two runs and five hits while walking none over five innings, but the Mets were shut out by the Yankees in their spring training finale, 3-0. The Mets flew home to New York after the game, where they will begin the season against the Brewers.
The Mets have released right-hander Peyton Battenfield. The Mets claimed the 26-year-old off waivers from the Guardians in September, but he only appeared in one game this spring.
Pat Ragazzo of Sports Illustrated reported that the Mets made an offer to Justin Turner during the Winter Meetings, but he opted to sign with the Blue Jays for one year and $13 million. The Mets waited and were able to sign J.D. Martinez for $12 million.
The Athletic gave the Mets a ‘C’ grade for their offseason. The panel of Tim Britton, Grant Brisbee, and Aaron Gleeman wrote that the Mets are relying too much on rebounds, and they don’t expect all of them to happen.
Joel Sherman of the New York Post wrote that neither the Mets nor Yankees are panicking over their injured aces, though neither team has ruled out signing Jordan Montgomery. The free-agent lefty has reportedly shifted his asking price closer to what Tyler Glasnow got from the Dodgers. Mets pitching coach Jeremy Hefner said he thinks the team has its best pitching depth since he was hired, citing their decision to send José Butto to Triple-A despite his strong showing this spring.
Latest MLB News
Shohei Ohtani spoke to the media on Monday afternoon, delivering an 11-and-a-half-minute statement regarding the gambling scandal involving his former interpreter, Ippei Mizuhara. Ohtani said that he has never gambled on baseball or any sports, and never had contact with a bookmaker. He also said that he was unaware of Mizuhara’s gambling until after the first game of the Dodgers’ series in Seoul. Ohtani said that Mizuhara never approached him about a media inquiry about his involvement in sports betting and that Mizuhara stole the money from his account to pay off his debt. You can read Ohtani’s full statement in The Athletic.
Astros manager Joe Espada said Justin Verlander will throw a two-inning live batting practice session today at Minute Maid Park. If all goes well, Verlander could begin a rehab assignment next.
Diamondbacks closer Paul Sewald will begin the season on the Injured List due to a grade-2 left oblique strain, manager Torey Lovullo said Monday. Lovullo hasn’t named a closer yet, but Kevin Ginkel is the most likely candidate to open the season in that role.
Yankees manager Aaron Boone said DJ LeMahieu will remain in Tampa this week and undergo another MRI on his foot on Friday. Boone says he isn’t sure if LeMahieu will be ready for the team’s home opener on April 5.
Brewers manager Pat Murphy told reporters on Monday that outfielder Garrett Mitchell will begin the season on the IL because of a fractured hand. Mitchell missed most of the 2023 season after suffering a torn labrum in his left shoulder.
Right-hander Jacob Waguespack and lefty Tyler Alexander have both made the Rays’ Opening Day roster. Waguespack is expected to be used a multi-inning reliever, while Alexander will either start the team’s fourth game of the year or will serve as a bulk reliever. Former All-Star Jake Odorizzi may remain in extended spring training to begin the year.
Righties Ryder Ryan and Hunter Stratton have made the Pirates’ Opening Day roster. Ji Hwan Bae and Yasmani Grandal will open the year on the 10-day IL, while Colin Holderman and Carmen Mlodzinski will head to the 15-day IL.
The Braves have signed veteran righty Jesse Chavez to a minor league contract. This marks the 40-year-old’s fifth go-around in the Atlanta organization. In addition, the Braves released righty Penn Murfee, who is expected to miss the 2024 season while he recovers from Tommy John surgery.
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MMO is giving away a copy of Dreams Do Come True: The Amazin’ Story of Polar Bear Pete on our Twitter account. To enter, retweet this tweet and follow @Metsmerized.
Johnluke Chaparro breaks down Luis Severino‘s final start of spring training.
Tyler Antonelle recaps the Mets’ loss to the Yankees on Monday.
Allison Waxman recaps the Mets’ spring training performance.
On This Date in Mets History
2019: The Mets agree to a five-year, $137.5 million extension with Jacob deGrom. The 30-year-old won the NL Cy Young award in 2018, posting a major league-leading 1.70 ERA with 269 strikeouts in 217 innings. The deal contains an opt-out clause after three years.
Birthdays: Mickey Weston (63), Shawn Hare (57), José Vizcaíno (56), Rob Zastryzny (32).
