Mets Morning News: Jason Vargas will undergo surgery, Syndergaard sharp on the mound

Meet the Mets

Jason Vargas was diagnosed with a fracture in his non-throwing hand and will undergo surgery on Tuesday.

Vargas is not expected to miss a significant amount of time so there is no need to panic about injuries just yet.

Vargas’s injury now allows for the possibility of the oft-dreamed about rotation to finally take shape.

The pitchers that don’t make the rotation could very well end up in the bullpen, which comes on the heels of the Astros successfully executing that plan in the World Series (paywall alert).

Noah Syndergaard had another solid outing with all of his pitches working for him.

Syndergaard and Jacob deGrom could very well be the best pitching duo in the majors.

Travis d’Arnaud had a good day both behind the plate and in front of it and could push his way back into the starting role.

Around the National League East

Ronald Acuna helped drive the offense in the Braves’ win over the Astros. Atlanta optioned Ryan Schimpf to Triple-A after a dreadful spring.

The Marlins traded away their entire outfield this offseason and it will be up to some youngsters to replace the stars that were lost.

Charlie Manuel had a promise to keep as he watched Roy Halladay’s son pitch against the Blue Jays.

The Nationals’ bullpen got hit hard in a loss to the Cardinals.

Around Major League Baseball

Twins’ shortstop Jorge Polanco was suspended 80 games after testing positive for performance enhancing drugs.

After this contentious offseason, younger players might be more willing to sign extensions before they become free agents.

Tigers’ starter Mike Fiers is dealing with a back issue and might not be ready for the start of the season.

Minor leaguers have been fighting for fair pay but a new bill in Congress might set them back in their quest for a living wage.

After exiting his last start early with groin tightness, Zack Greinke threw a successful bullpen but will have his start pushed back once the season begins.

This Date in Mets History

March 19 was not kind to two of the pitchers from “Generation K.” In 1996, Bill Pulsipher was diagnosed with a strained tendon in his elbow and would end up missing the entire season. Three years later Paul Wilson suffered a partially torn medial collateral ligament that would require Tommy John surgery.