Mets Morning News: Mets split their split-squad games, prospect Carpio has surgery

Meet the Mets

The Mets participated in split-squad games against the Tigers and Cardinals yesterday. Against Detroit, Bartolo Colon threw three innings while allowing one run. On the offensive side, Neil Walker contributed a solo home run as the Mets won 7-3.  Against St. Louis, Steven Matz started and also allowed one run over three innings. Although, the Mets dropped the exhibition game 9-4.

Beginning with Colon and Matz yesterday, the Mets are now using their top starting pitchers in Grapefruit League play. The team has been cautious in the wake of an extended postseason run.

The Mets plan to continue to be careful in managing David Wright's playing time this spring, and as a result, he will not make his debut this week. He does expect to be ready for the season opener.

Mets prospect Luis Carpio underwent shoulder surgery on his throwing shoulder. Carpio was ranked number six on Amazin' Avenue's prospect list heading in 2016.

Mike Piazza will be recognized by the state legislature in Albany for his career accomplishments.

Around the NL East

Marlins right fielder Giancarlo Stanton is dealing with knee soreness. He will miss a couple spring training games, but the injury does not appear serious.

Nationals pitcher Joe Ross has begun throwing a splitter after learning the pitch from Jonathan Papelbon. The pitch is a response to the slow development of his changeup.

Vincent Velasquez and Brett Oberholtzer are in a competition for the Phillies' final rotation spot. Both pitched on Monday, and performed well in their appearances.

Around MLB

Carl Crawford will play a bench role for the Dodgers this season. He has two years remaining on a $142 million deal originally signed with the Red Sox.

Cardinals shortstop Jhonny Peralta has a torn ligament in his thumb. He is expected to be out for two to three months.

As Jacob deGrom did recently, three pitchers on the Rays have refused to sign their 2016 contracts. The group consists of Jake Odorizzi, Brad Boxberger, and Kevin Kiermaier

The Padres are said to be "very active" on free agent pitcher Tim Lincecum.

The Brewers are being cautious in handling Ryan Braun after he underwent back surgery in October. He is expected to be ready for the season opener.

Austin Jackson reportedly turned down more money from other teams due to White Sox offering him the center field job. Chicago will now shift Adam Eaton to a corner position.

Yesterday at AA

Lucas Duda is good, and will likely remain good in 2016. Steve Schreiber explained why in his season preview for the Mets' first baseman.

Can you name every Met who has collected five hits in one game? Check out the Monday Morning Mets Mind Boggler.

This Date in Mets History

In 1966, it was announced that Casey Stengel had been elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame. Stengel served as the Mets first ever manage before retiring in 1965 after four seasons.