Ahh, the luck of the Irish…
According to Newsday’s Marc Carig, second baseman Daniel Murphy played five innings at second base today, going 1-for-2 at the plate with a walk in a minor league game. It was his first appearance at the plate this spring since straining his intercostal just over a month ago.
“It felt good, it felt really good,” Murphy said afterward. “This is the best I’ve felt all spring. I think I should be ready for Opening Day and that’s how I’m preparing himself.”
Murphy now believes that he could still start the season on time, although it’s not clear if the team shares his enthusiasm. Carig brings up an interesting point:
Because he has not had any big league at-bats, Murphy faces an uphill climb if he is to begin the season in New York. If the Mets play him in a Grapefruit League game but decide to put him on the DL to start the year, Murphy wouldn’t be eligible to come off until April 15.
The Mets would have to be clearly convinced that Murphy is ready to play and I doubt that they will allow him to see any Grapefruit League action until he’s played at least three successive nine-inning games in the minors. Still, today was a good day for the Irish Hammer.
