Mets Morning News: Harvey cleared for Opening Day, Royals scoff at retaliation talk

Meet the Mets

Sean Gilmartin, who's still vying for a spot on the Opening Day roster, tossed three innings of one-run baseball in a loss to the Marlins. There was nothing doing offensively for the Mets, as Curtis Granderson, David Wright, Wilmer Flores, and Kevin Plawecki all took 0-fers.

Matt Harvey won't be missing his Opening Day start in Kansas City. As it turned out, he needed a blood clot removed from his bladder to receive medical clearance. Noah Syndergaard and Jacob deGrom will follow Harvey in Kansas City.

Steven Matz is listed among 11 rookies to watch entering the 2016 season.

The Royals threw cold water on a report that they would seek retaliation on Mets hitters during the season's opening series. Noah Syndergaard's up-and-in pitch to Alcides Escobar during Game Three of the World Series has had a lasting impression, with Edinson Volquez remarking "you mess with one of us guys here, you're going to find a lot of people to take care of [you]."

Once a top Mets prospect, right-hander Phil Humber announced his retirement following an unsuccessful camp with the Padres. Humber, who was traded to Minnesota as a part of the Johan Santana deal, will be remembered for pitching the 21st perfect game in MLB history.

Manager Terry Collins isn't concerned with spring training records, as evidenced by his observation that the Mets could be 1-21, as long as his players are ready for regular season baseball.

Around the Majors

Henry Druschel of Beyond the Box Score discussed Ichiro's status as the oldest position player in baseball.

Hyun Soo Kim, signed to a two-year, $7 million deal over the offseason, isn't likely to crack Baltimore's Opening Day roster. The former KBO star slashed just .182/.229/.182 in his first MLB camp.

The Phillies are going with a closer-by-committee strategy to open the season, according to manager Pete Mackanin.

Bryan Holaday, a backup catcher connected with the Mets at various points of the offseason, was traded to the Rangers. With just days remaining before the regular season, the Mets have yet to tab Kevin Plawecki or Johnny Monell as Travis d'Arnaud's reserve.

After an outstanding Spring, Trevor Story will open the season as Colorado's everyday shortstop. With Jose Reyes facing a lengthy suspension for domestic violence charges, Story will have every chance of holding on to the starting job.

The Big League Stew staff previewed the Mets' upcoming season.

Yesterday at AA

Lukas Vlahos previewed right-hander Erik Goeddel's 2016 season.

This Date in Mets History

On this date in 2001, Doc Gooden formally announced his retirement after a failed bid to join the Yankees' rotation. The 1985 Cy Young Award winner pitched with the Astros, Devil Rays, and Yankees during his final season in 2000.

Happy 50th birthday to Terry Bross! A native of Queens, Bross is one of just 25 St. John's alumni to play in the majors.