Mets Morning News: Jason Vargas day-to-day after X-rays come back negative

Meet the Mets

Jason Vargas’ X-rays came back negative after he was hit by a ball during Friday’s game, and he’s listed as day-to-day.

Yoenis Cespedes says he’s ready to return to the Mets’ lineup on Monday.

Michael Conforto took four at-bats in a minor league game on Friday.

Rafael Montero is out of options, and is not making the Mets’ decisions easy with his poor pitching this spring.

Jim Bowdon is not a believer in Brandon Nimmo.

Jacob deGrom won’t be starting on Opening Day, but knows he earned the honor.

Both Fangraphs and Faith and Fear in Flushing had tributes to the late Ed Charles yesterday.

Around the National League East

The Nationals agreed to a minor league deal with Jeremy Hellickson.

The Phillies gained a big starter in Jake Arrieta, but lost another in Jerad Eickhoff, who will miss 6-8 weeks with a lat injury.

The Braves optioned Max Fried to Triple-A Gwinnett.

Around Major League Baseball

Jose Altuve signed a massive $150 million extension with the Houston Astros.

Blue Jays minor leaguer Thomas Pannone has been suspended for 80 games for violating MLB’s drug policy.

Shohei Ohtani had a very rough outing against the Rockies.

Eugenio Suarez signed a seven-year $66 million extension with the Reds.

Yesterday at Amazin’ Avenue

Longtime Amazin’ Avenue contributor (and not green Rickey Henderson) Steve Schreiber, bid farewell to Amazin’ Avenue as he leaves to take over the Royals’ social media.

David Capobianco handled the season preview for Rafael Montero.

Allison McCague gave an update on the King of Spring Training race.

Chris McShane examined the battle for the fifth spot in the Mets’ rotation.

A new episode of Amazin’ Avenue Audio came out.

This Date in Mets History

Timo Perez was signed by the Mets on St. Patrick’s Day way back in the year 2000.