Mets Morning News: Seth Lugo hopes to avoid surgery, an offensive no-show against an old friend

Meet the Mets

Jacob deGrom and Bartolo Colon squared off in another pitchers’ duel but unfortunately the Mets’ bullpen had a less successful night. Hansel Robles allowed the tying run to score in the seventh, and Rafael Montero gave up the go-ahead runs in the twelfth. The Mets’ offense put together a less than stellar effort and the result was a 3-1 loss.

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In his return back to Citi Field, Bartolo Colon received a standing ovation from the crowd, but it was a bittersweet reunion from the Mets perspective.

Jay Bruce is one of the few Mets off to a hot start and is taking a simple approach to the plate.

The rest of the Mets’ offense still has some work to do.

Colon returning to New York is a reminder of how the Mets could use him on their side as their pitching depth is challenged early in the season.

Jacob deGrom was well aware of Bartolo’s offensive prowess at the plate but had no trouble pitching to him.

With the injuries to the rotation, Sandy Alderson hinted at addressing that issue, because as of right now their depth is Rafael Montero who struggled in his 2017 debut.

The Mets are still unsure of what is wrong with Steven Matz’s elbow.

Seth Lugo is hopeful he will be able to avoid surgery on his right elbow. The Mets remain committed to the World Baseball Classic despite Lugo’s injury.

The fragility of the pitchers could be one reason why the Mets are hesitant to give them long-term extensions.

Robert Gsellman profiles as an intriguing rookie to watch this season.

The Mets signed outfielder Desmond Jennings to a minor league contract.

Noah Syndergaard believes New York belongs to the Mets now.

The new manager of the Las Vegas 51s will put an emphasis on defense.

The entire NL East has a player that could be crucial to each team’s success.

Around the NL East

The Braves are already ahead of where they were last season when they picked up the win against the Mets.

The Marlins remain winless as they lost to the Nationals 6-4. Marlins ownership is still looking to sell the team and a potential buyer could be Derek Jeter.

The Phillies fell to the Reds by a final score of 2-0.

The Nationals improved to 2-0 on the season with their win over the Marlins.

Around the Majors

Baseball is suffering from a lack of a true superstar, and it might be awhile before another one comes along.

After being released by the Tigers, pitcher Mike Pelfrey signed a minor league contract with the White Sox.

Pitcher Chris Sale was dominant in his debut with the Red Sox, but it took extra innings for the Red Sox to pick up the win against the Pirates.

Cubs’ ace Jake Arrieta appears to have lost some velocity on his fastball.

Michael Pineda’s struggles with the Yankees continued and as a result the Yankees were defeated by the Rays.

Yesterday at AA

Robert Wolff reviewed the Mets’ good fortune on Opening Day.

Steve Sypa previewed the Columbia Fireflies’ season.

Brian Salvatore wrote about the Desmond Jennings signing.

Jonathan Maseng covered the good news concerning Juan Lagares’s injury.

This Date in Mets History

In 1972, manager Gil Hodges was laid to rest in Brooklyn after suffering a heart attack four days earlier. After the funeral it was announced that Yogi Berra accepted a two-year deal to replace Hodges and the Mets had also made a trade to acquire Rusty Staub from the Expos.