Morning Briefing: Not Abad Spring!

Good morning New York Mets fans!

The Mets wrapped up Grapefruit League play yesterday with a 4-3 win over the Miami Marlins at First Data Field. The team finished with a 10-18 record in Spring Training action.

Steven Matz took the mound in his final tune-up before the regular season. The lefty pitched four scoreless innings against an albeit bad Marlins lineup. After a slow start to spring, Matz really corrected himself and anchored himself into a spot in the rotation.

Yoenis Cespedes and Jay Bruce homered back-to-back in the win. For Cespedes, it was his sixth long ball this spring, and his third since returning from a wrist injury. If he can stay healthy, Cespedes looks primed for a big 2018 season. Bruce hit his third home of the spring, and slugged .595 over 42 at-bats.

Latest Mets News

Shortly after the game yesterday, the team announced that they had agreed to a minor league deal with lefty Fernando Abad. The deal is worth $1.25M plus 650K if Abad makes the majors. Abad appeared in three games this spring for the Phillies before being released last week.

Abad has worked primarily as a one-out arm between the Red Sox, Twins and Athletics the past four seasons, sporting a 3.09 ERA while averaging 8.0 K/9 against 3.2 BB/9 in that time.

After his win Sunday, Matz told reporters, “I feel ready. I feel healthy and strong. I got my command which is huge. I’m feeling good.”

Following the game, Mickey Callaway set the Mets official rotation as follows: Noah Syndergaard, Jacob deGrom, Matz, Matt Harvey, Seth Lugo.

Callaway also announced that utility man Phillip Evans and RHP Jacob Rhame have been awarded the final two roster spots. Callaway said, “We’re really excited about those guys. They’ve earned it.”

Kristie Ackert of the New York Daily News reports that the Mets have told Michael Conforto that he will begin the season on the DL.

Forbes.com says the Mets earned $97 million at Citi Field last season.

Let the New York Post introduce you to the longest-running Mets season ticket holders.

The Chicago Tribune reports that David Wright is the lone captain in Major League Baseball in 2018.

Matt Ehalt of NorthJersey.com says the playing time between Travis d’Arnaud and Kevin Plawecki will be based on opposing pitcher and which catcher will hit him better.

Ehalt also said the playing time between Brandon Nimmo and Juan Lagares will be split similar, but Lagares may play if the Mets need more defense in the lineup.

Latest MLB News

The St. Louis Cardinals have announced that Adam Wainwright will start the season on the disabled list due to a strained left hamstring. Wainwright was scheduled to oppose Jacob deGrom in Game 2 of the season. Michael Wacha is expected to start in his place.

Clubhouse legend and one of the brightest personalities in baseball, Munenori Kawasaki is expected to retire.

The Arizona Diamondbacks have optioned their second highest paid player Yasmany Tomas to Triple-A Reno.

Arizona has also designated catcher Chris Herrmann for assignment and have purchased the contract of LHP Jorge De La Rosa.

The Red have claimed LHP Justin Nicolino off waivers from the Miami Marlins.

Despite Mike Fiers’ back injury, the Tigers are not looking at the starting pitching trade market, per Jon Morosi of MLB Network.

Latest NL East News

Phillies No.2 prospect second baseman Scott Kingery has made the Opening Day roster. Kingery has also signed a six-year contract extension through 2023 with the team.

The Washington Nationals have optioned former Met Matt Reynolds to Triple-A Syracuse.

According to Ken Rosenthal, the Braves have signed outfielder Peter Bourjos to a Major League deal.