Morning Briefing: Vargas Gets First Shot

Good morning, Mets fans!

Yesterday the Mets rolled over the Miami Marlins 14-6 at First Data Field. Starting Pitcher, Steven Matz shined in his first spring start with three strikeouts in two innings, while only allowing one run. Mets young pitching prospect, Anthony Kay struggled in his one inning of work giving up three runs, on three hits, while walking two.

Jason Vargas will make his first start of the spring against the St. Louis Cardinals at Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium in Jupiter. He will face off against newly extended ace, Miles Mikolas, who just received a four-year deal worth $68 million. The game starts at 1:05 p.m. EST, but will not be televised.

Latest Mets News

According to Tim Healey of Newsday, Jeff McNeil was scratched from yesterday’s lineup with a wrist scrape after diving for a ball on Monday. He’s not expected to miss more than a few days, says Anthony DiComo of MLB.com.

Tj Rivera is experiencing elbow pain again. Mickey Callaway says, “he’s having trouble getting over the hump,” following his 2017 Tommy John surgery, tweets DiComo.

Brandon Nimmo got sick from eating under-cooked chicken that he made himself, says Mike Puma of The New York Post.

Kyle Glaser of Baseball America writes how newly acquired pitcher, Kyle Dowdy‘s “jump” in velocity has opened some eyes at Mets camp.

Zack Wheeler tells John Harper of SNY that he’s open to an extension with the Mets, but will not settle for a “hometown” discount.

Matz thanks deGrom for offseason throwing program, says this is the most ready he has felt for a season.

Michael Conforto is aiming for a big 2019, reflects on his lessons learned from last season with Tim Britton of The Athletic.

Mets officials were reportedly pleased with Corey Oswalt‘s outing yesterday, writes Puma.

Wilson Ramos talks about his brother, Natanael, whom the team just signed to a minor league deal, per Deesha Thosar of The NY Daily News.

DiComo also reported that the legendary, Joe Torre showed up at Mets camp yesterday.

Latest MLB News

The Boston Red Sox announced the sad news that catcher, Blake Swihart‘s younger adopted brother, Romell Jordan has passed away at 23-years-old.

MLB putting pitch clock on hold until 2022, per Jeff Passan of ESPN.

Atlanta Braves reliever, Peter Moylan is retiring after 12 seasons, says David O’Brien of The Athletic.

Yankees third basemen, Miguel Andujar is now represented by Octagon, per Robert Murray of The Athletic.

Cincinnati Reds newly acquired star outfielder, Yasiel Puig generously sends cuban coffee to the guys at Cut 4.

Baseball America checks in with Vance Wilson in their latest feature of “Where are they now?”