Mets Morning News: Ruben Tejada clears waivers, is released

Meet the Mets

The Mets did not play a Grapefruit League game on Wednesday.

After clearing waivers, Ruben Tejada has officially been released from the Mets. All told, Tejada spent nine years with the organization.

Beyond the Box Score used PITCHf/x to analyze which Mets starting pitcher has the best repertoire of pitches. The data points to Jacob deGrom having the best "stuff" on the Mets' staff.

Fred Kerber discussed injuries with Travis d'Arnaud for the New York Post. The Mets' catcher only managed to play 67 games in 2015, but hit very well when he was on the field.

Around the NL East

Bronson Arroyo was scratched from his start for the Nationals yesterday. It was later reported that he has an 80% tear in his labrum, and his career is likely over.

Halfway through March, the Phillies' closer situation is still unsettled. A combination of injuries and poor performance have kept any one player from emerging.

Barry Bonds, now the Marlins' hitting coach, took part in a home run derby with the team. And he won.

Around MLB

White Sox first baseman Adam LaRoche reportedly retired because the team told him to stop bringing his son into the clubhouse. LaRoche would have earned $13 million in 2016.

Former Met Dillon Gee has been added to the Royals' 40-man roster after Mike Minor was placed on the 60-day disabled list. Gee is a leading candidate to make the Royals' Opening Day squad as a relief pitcher.

Major League Baseball announced that it has found no evidence that Yasiel Puig struck his sister. The investigation stems from a fight that took place at a bar.

After a season in which he frequently batted the pitcher eighth, Joe Maddon will reportedly turn to a more traditional lineup in which the pitcher bats ninth.

Relief pitcher Justin De Fratus was released by the Mariners. De Fratus was signed to a one-year deal by Seattle in December.

Yesterday at AA

Chris McShane previewed infielder Matt Reynolds. With the release of Tejada and Asdrubal Cabrera's knee injury, Reynolds has a good shot at making the Opening Day roster.

Ketul Shah ran through all of the injuries affecting Mets players, and gave insight into whether each will be ready for Opening Day.

Today in Mets History

In 2000, the Mets signed free agent outfielder Timo Perez. After spending the previous four years in Japan, Perez found his way into a late-season role with the Mets that year. He particularly excelled in the NLCS, during which he scored eight runs against the Cardinals.