Mets Morning News: Mets extend Juan Lagares, but maybe not Lucas Duda

Meet the Mets

In a game that made many of us grateful for the end of spring training, the Mets and Cardinals played to a scoreless draw on Thursday in Jupiter. Matt Harvey struck out four batters in four innings to wrap up his Grapefruit League slate with a 1.19 ERA.

Curtis Granderson left the game early after taking a pitch off his knee, but the right fielder seems to be okay.

Although Daniel Murphy won't join the Mets on their exhibition road trip to Texas, the club is optimistic that their second baseman will be ready for Opening Day in Washington. Murphy has been recovering from a hamstring injury.

The Mets officially announced the four-year extension they are giving Juan Lagares. The center fielder will earn $23 million from 2016 through 2019, and FanGraphs likes the deal for New York.

Speaking of extensions, it now appears unlikely that one between the Mets and Lucas Duda will be reached before Opening Day.

Zack Wheeler could be in for a longer rehab period than what was initially estimated.

In the upcoming ESPN documentary based on his recovery from Tommy John surgery, Harvey complains about how he is portrayed by the media. As someone who is portrayed by the media as an unemployed basement-dweller, I can relate.

Terry Collins told reporters that Harvey will throw around 90 pitches in his regular season debut next week.

Ted Berg mourned the loss of Jenrry Mejia's hair.

The Daily News has the story of what happens when Gary, Keith, and Ron get bored in the broadcast booth.

Around the National League East

The Braves have traded minor league outfielder Josh Elander for Diamondbacks starter Trevor Cahill. Perhaps the most interesting part of this deal is that it opens up a spot for hot prospect Archie Bradley in the Arizona rotation.

The Good Phight has found a way for the Phillies to reach the postseason!

Fish Stripes forms a team of Marlins killers. The third baseman might sound familiar.

Around Major League Baseball

The Giants are extending general manager Brian Sabean as well as skipper Bruce Bochy into 2018 and beyond.

After spending nearly $75 million on Rusney Castillo this offseason, the Red Sox just demoted the Cuban outfielder to the minor leagues.

Detroit right-hander Justin Verlander will go on the disabled list for the first time in his career due to a triceps strain.

After being selected in the Rule 5 draft by Baltimore, former Mets farmhand Logan Verrett has been claimed off waivers by Texas. Perhaps we'll see him tonight when the Mets play the Rangers in Arlington.

Another former Met, Jose Valverde, has been released by the Padres.

Just in time for Passover, the White Sox have announced they will serve big flavored bacon strips at U.S. Cellular Field this summer.

Here's a video of Bo Jackson casually explaining how amazing he is to Adam LaRoche's son.

Grant Brisbee gives a very biased review of Barry Bonds.

Yesterday at Amazin' Avenue

Ben Margolin wondered if Jack Leathersich could reach the majors this year.

Chris McShane says you better not bet against David Wright in 2015.

This date in Mets history

In 2006, the Mets defeated the Nationals 3-2 on Opening Day at Shea Stadium.