Mets Morning News: Steven Matz makes a strong return

Meet the Mets

Steven Matz made his return to the mound, pitching two scoreless innings in a spring training win over the Marlins. All he wants to talk about, though, is the new trick he learned to hold runners on base.

The Mets have shown interest in signing Brett Lawrie.

Original Met Ed Kranepool needs a kidney transplant.

Zack Wheeler is excited to return to action this Friday.

Tim Tebow is slated to make his Grapefruit League debut this week.

Travis d’Arnaud’s new swing has been paying dividends thus far.

Around the NL East

The Braves attempted to slip Christian Walker through waivers, but the Reds claimed him.

Giancarlo Stanton went yard for the first time this spring against the Mets.

Vegas oddsmakers think the Phillies have surprisingly good 10/1 odds of signing Bryce Harper in 2019.

Around MLB

Scott Kazmir exited his start for the Dodgers on Monday with a hip injury.

Israel is off to a surprisingly good start in the World Baseball Classic and is 2-0 in pool play after a stunning win over South Korea and a victory against Chinese Taipei (aka Taiwan). Ty Kelly is one of the players on Israel’s hodgepodge of a roster.

The Rockies have lost David Dahl for several weeks to a rib injury.

The Mariners surprised Leonys Martin on his birthday by hiring a mariachi band to follow him around.

Jason Heyward had been 0-for-15 in spring training before breaking out of his slump during Monday’s Cubs game.

Yankees utility man Rob Refsnyder is available for trade.

Yesterday at AA

Pitch Talks is set to return in April, and AA has a discount code for tickets.

Matt Varvaro had another Monday Morning Mets Mind Boggler for everyone.

Ketul Shah examined whether the Mets’ pitching staff can remain healthy this season.

This Date in Mets History

Jeff Kent was born on this date in 1968.