Good morning, Mets fans!
Former Met and future Hall of Famer Justin Verlander is reportedly a couple of weeks behind schedule and his timetable is TBA at the moment, per Brian McTaggart of MLB.com. Verlander also had a delayed start to his 2023 season due to an upper back/shoulder issue, which seems to be ailing him this year as well.
The three-time Cy Young award winner said he was going about his regular routine before shutting down. “When I first started playing catch I usually shut it down for a while, and this time when I shut it down and picked a ball back up, my shoulder didn’t feel so great so I kind of had to take a step back,” he said.
While it does not seem like a major injury, any time that Verlander misses for the Astros could play in the Mets’ favor. The Mets could be on the hook for $17.5 million if the 40-year old reaches the 140 innings pitched threshold, which would kick in his vesting option for the 2025 season.
Justin Verlander. Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Latest Mets News
The New York Mets officially announced the signing of flame-throwing reliever Shintaro Fujinami to a one-year deal. In a corresponding move, Ronny Mauricio will be moved to the 60-day IL after tearing his ACL in the offseason.
ESPN has picked up two of the Mets’ spring training games, both against the Yankees, on March 5 at 1 P.M. and March 22 at 5 p.m., per Mike Mayer of Metsmerized Online.
Kodai Senga hinted at the potential of debuting a new pitch this upcoming season. Hear what Senga had to say as he addressed the media on Wednesday.
MLB Network released their next batch of players for their top 100 players right now list; Pete Alonso and Francisco Lindor found themselves on the list. Click here to see where they landed!
Latest MLB News
The Cincinnati Reds announced the passing of Reds Hall of Fame pitcher Don Gullet. Gullet spent 24 years with the Reds as a player, coach, and minor league instructor.
Former Mets star pitcher Jacob deGrom said that he started to throw on Monday and threw again on Wednesday as he starts to ramp up, per Jeff Wilson of Rangers Today.
The New York Yankees acquired LHP Clayton Andrews from the Brewers, and in return sent RHP Joshua Quezada, per Mark Feinsand of MLB.com.
The Oakland Athletics announced that they have signed LHP Scott Alexander to a one-year contract for the 2024 season.
The Philadelphia Phillies officially announced their signing of RHP Spencer Turnbull, to make room for him they DFA’d RHP McKinley Moore.
Jeff Passan of ESPN reported that free agent relief pitcher Liam Hendriks is setting a deadline of Thursday (today) to sign with a team. If he does not sign by then, he will take time to rehab from Tommy John surgery on his own and throw for teams in late July before signing for the stretch run.
The Yankees agreed to a deal with relief pitcher Lou Trivino, per Andy Martino of SNY. Joel Sherman of the NY Post reported that it is for $1.5 million with a club option of $5 million for 2025.
Zack Wheeler and the Philadelphia Phillies have started negotiations on a potential contract extension, per Matt Gelb of The Athletic. Wheeler says that he hopes it’s done before the end of Spring, mentioning how he loves it in Philly.
The Chicago White Sox signed 35-year-old Mike Moustakas to a minor league deal, the team announced.
Yankees manager Aaron Boone announced that reliever Scott Effross will be out until the summer after undergoing back surgery in December.
Left-handed relief pitcher Josh Fleming agreed to a one-year, major league split contract with the Pittsburgh Pirates, per Robert Murray of FanSided. If he is in the majors, Fleming would receive $850,000.
The San Francisco Giants signed RHP Austin Warren to a one-year major league contract and placed LHP Robbie Ray on the 60-day IL as he recovers from left elbow UCL surgery.
Latest on MMO
Take a look at the new faces at Mets spring training.
Check out MMO’s non-roster invitee preview of RHP Christian Scott.
Could Thor be coming back to Queens? Christian De Block did a Free Agent Profile looking into the possibility of the Mets brining back Noah Syndergaard.
On This Date in Mets History
2011: The New York Mets sign relief pitcher Jason Isringhausen to a minor league contract. Isringhausen was a part of the infamous “Generation K” and was with the club up until 1999 after being drafted by the Mets in 1991. He made 53 appearances and saved his 300th game for his original club in 2011.
Birthdays: Mark Canha (35), Barry Jones (61), Chuck Estrada (86)
