Mets Morning News: Matz & Lagares to the DL, Wheeler makes rotation, Conforto & Kelly make roster

Meet the Mets

It’s Cy Young or bust for Noah Syndergaard.

While his role remains unknown, Michael Conforto is just happy to have made the Opening Day roster.

Sandy Alderson’s team has been built to last, John Harper of the Daily News writes.

Juan Lagares is DL-bound. Steven Matz won’t be ready for Opening Day, either, missing the next three weeks of action due to irritation in his elbow.

That means Zack Wheeler will be in the Mets’ starting rotation on Opening Day. Wheeler deserves his opportunity, Mike Vaccaro of the Post writes.

The Mets cancelled Friday’s exhibition game against Army as a result of weather concerns.

Addison Reed will serve as the team’s closer during Jeurys Familia’s suspension.

Around the NL East

The Nationals tabbed Blake Treinen as their closer.

Brock Stassi and Daniel Nava were each surprising additions to the Phillies’ Opening Day roster.

Tyler Kepner of the New York Times previewed the Braves’ season.

Edinson Volquez, “no stranger to the big stage,” isn’t intimidated by making an Opening Day start.

Around Major League Baseball

Mike Pelfrey offered no excuses for his performance following his release, telling reporters “I kind of knew it was coming.”

Bob Klapisch and Ken Rosenthal each offered predictions for the upcoming season, while Jon Heyman constructed power rankings.

Eric Nusbaum of VICE Sports chronicled Corey Seager’s ascent into one of the league’s best-hitting shortstops.

Ben Lindbergh of The Ringer has a “can’t lose” bet as the baseball season approaches, cashing in on a sportsbook’s unfortunate typo.

Yesterday at Amazin’ Avenue

Steve Sypa forecasted Chris Flexen’s 2017 campaign.

Chris McShane discussed Erik Goeddel’s prospects in the Mets’ bullpen.

Sean Gilmartin will hope to return to relevancy in 2017, Luke Fiore writes.

Matt Varvaro wants to know: Who will be the Mets’ best overall player this year?

This Date in Mets History

On this date in 1994, the Mets acquired Rico Brogna from the Tigers. Brogna would produce a .351/.380/.626 line in a brilliant rookie season.

Happy birthday to Tom Hausman and Bill Denehy!