Good morning Mets fans! Yesterday Jacob deGrom took the hill for the Mets, allowing two earned runs in five innings of work. Dominic Smith collected two hits and drove in the Mets lone run in the 8-1 loss to the Marlins.

Today the Mets return to Port St. Lucie to take on the Houston Astros. Right-handed pitcher Noah Syndergaard gets the start for the Mets, and Gerrit Cole takes the mound for the Astros. First pitch is at 1:10 p.m. and the game will be televised on SNY.

Latest Mets News

The Mets announced that they will work out in the Carrier Dome at Syracuse University on March 26. The even is free and open to the public.

Anthony DiComo of MLB.com reports that Andres Gimenez will start the 2018 season at Double-A Binghamton. Gimenez, the No. 1 prospect at MMO, posted a .702 OPS between Single-A St. Lucie and Double-A Binghamton in 2018.

DiComo writes that Jacob deGrom is optimistic about reaching a contract extension with the Mets. deGrom is eligible to become a free agent after the 2020 season.

DiComo reports that infielder Jed Lowrie has started throwing and hitting programs this week. Lowrie, who has been sidelined with a sprained left knee capsule, signed a two-year contract with the Mets this offseason.

Tim Healey of Newsday tweets that outfielder Carlos Gomez received a large electric scooter in the team clubhouse. However, Gomez did not order the scooter.

Mets general manager Brodie Van Wagenen explained why the team assigned Tim Tebow to minor league camp. “We wanted to get him out of major league camp because we feel like there’s real development that can be done to get him off to a good start and potentially help us this season,” Van Wagenen said.

In response to the Mets assigning Tebow to minor league camp, the Lehigh Valley IronPigs announced their 10-game Tebow plan. The plan includes tickets to the 10 games that the IronPigs host the Syracuse Mets.

Latest MLB News

Jeffrey Flanagan of MLB.com reports that Brad Keller will get the start for the Kansas City Royals on opening day. Keller spent the 2018 season with Kansas City after being selected in the 2017 Rule 5 Draft.

Bill Shaikin of the Los Angeles Times reports that Astros pitcher Francis Martes has received an 80-game suspension for breaking the league drug policy. Martes tested positive for clomiphene, a performance-enhancing drug under MLB rules.

Lindsey Adler of The Athletic details the personality of young Yankees outfielder Clint Frazier.

Latest NL East News

Jamal Collier of MLB.com writes about Juan Soto and his focus on improved defensive play in left field. Soto, 20, is entering his second season with the Nationals after posting a .923 OPS as a rookie in 2018.

Mark Bowman of MLB.com writes about Ronald Acuña Jr.’s approach this spring.

Latest on MMO

Jack Hendon recaps yesterday’s loss to the Marlins.

Roberto Correa reviews 108 Stitches, Ron Darling’s collection of stories from his career as a major league pitcher.

Jacob Resnick writes about the four Mets who are entering their final option year with something to prove. Jacob Rhame, Tomas Nido, Walker Lockett and Chris Flexen must prove that they are worthy of a roster spot beyond 2019. Other Mets like Brandon Nimmo and Steven Matz also have one option year remaining, but these players have established their roles on the major league roster.

Michael Mayer lists five Mets prospects who could make their major league debuts in 2019. Among the prospects are first baseman Pete Alonso and relief pitcher Ryder Ryan.

This Day in Mets History

Birthdays: Johan Santana is 40, Jorge Fabregas is 49, Terry Leach is 65 and Gary Kolb is 79.

1979: The Mets acquire Ed Glynn from Detroit in exchange for Mardie Cornejo. Glynn posted a 3.53 in 84 appearances over two seasons with the Mets.

2006: Several lights at Tradition Field, now known as First Data field, go out during a spring training game between the Mets and the Nationals. The game is called with the Mets leading the Nationals 10-4.