Mets Morning News: Conforto resurgent as Robles stumbles

Meet the Mets

Michael Conforto collected his first hit of the spring when he started as DH for the Mets on Friday, and he’ll be back in the field today if all goes as planned.

The team is hopeful that Conforto will be able to return to MLB action earlier than his original May 1 target date, as things are progressing well.

Hansel Robles, meanwhile, found himself demoted to the minors after pitching poorly throughout spring training. He was joined by Thomas Nido, who’s played solidly, but is stuck behind Travis d’Arnaud and Kevin Plawecki.

Andres Gimenez gave Mets fans reasons for hope with a good outing in his first Grapefruit League game.

Jason Vargas was briefly hospitalized with a stomach bug, but his doctors are hopeful his hand will be ready for action in early April. Rafael Montero, however, will require Tommy John surgery.

Noah Syndergaard hopes his new workout regimen will work out better than his last one.

Is Noah Syndergaard’s fastball placement actually his weak spot? A compelling argument from over at Fangraphs.

Around the National League East

The Braves’ Chase Whitley will start the season on the DL due to a staph infection.

The Nationals have cut ties with chef Mike Isabella, after sexual harassment allegations were leveled against him. Isabella’s Catchfly, G Sandwich, and Kapnos at the Park will no longer be serving up food to fans this season at Nationals Park. No word yet on what will replace them.

Wayne Huizenga, the founding owner of the Marlins, died at the age of 80. Huizenga founded three hugely successful companies — Waste Management, Blockbuster Video, and AutoNation. He also founded the Florida Panthers and was a former owner of the Miami Dolphins.

Around Major League Baseball

Clayton Kershaw didn’t allow a single run during the entirety of spring training.

MLB found insufficient evidence to punish Miguel Sano for the sexual assault claim made against him.

Madison Bumgarner will likely miss six weeks with a broken hand.

Red Sox pitcher Steven Wright was suspended for 15 games under MLB’s domestic violence policy.

Rangers minor league pitcher Brandon Mann, a Tacoma native, accidentally beaned Ichiro Suzuki during a spring training game.

Yesterday at Amazin’ Avenue

Allison McCague weighed the pluses and minuses of the Mets finally having their Fab Five together.

Chris McShane previewed Jerry Blevins’ season.

This Date in Mets History

Steve Phillips made a smart deal on this date, trading Lou Collier to the Expos for a 22 year old Jason Bay. He sadly made a stupid deal six months later and traded Bay for Steve Reed.