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Meet the Mets
Steven Matz was spectacular in his final spring start and the lefty is ready to go for the start of the season.
The countdown to Opening Day is on when Noah Syndergaard with his blazing fastball will be on the mound, but Syndergaard’s fastball is not the only pitch that ranks above the rest in terms of velocity.
This is the first year Seth Lugo will be on the Opening Day roster and the righty certainly earned his place in the Mets’ rotation. Lugo’s curveball helped get him into the rotation, and he was encouraged by the coaching staff to use his best pitch more often this season.
Lugo is of course taking the place of Zack Wheeler, and it is now up to Wheeler if he joins the rotation again in the future.
The Mets announced their starting rotation for the beginning of the season.
Michael Conforto will also not be making the trip north and will start the season on the disabled list.
With Conforto on the DL, utilityman Phillip Evans made the team after impressing the coach with a strong spring.
The roster is mostly set now for Opening Day, but playing time will still need to be sorted out once the season begins.
The Mets signed lefty reliever Fernando Abad to a minor league contract.
Some good news for former Met Howard Johnson. He was released from the hospital after he was struck by a line drive. Although he suffered several broken bones, the eye function remained good.
Around the National League East
The Braves reportedly signed speedy outfielder Peter Bourjos to a deal worth $1 million.
The Reds claimed pitcher Justin Nicolino off waivers from the Marlins.
In a surprising move, the Phillies signed prospect Scott Kingery to a six-year extension worth $24 million which guarantees his spot on the Opening Day roster. The Phillies also added pitcher Drew Hutchison to the 40-man roster and designated catcher Cameron Rupp for assignment.
The Nationals solidified their Opening Day roster.
Around Major League Baseball
The Mets will no longer be facing Adam Wainwright opening weekend since the righty was placed on the disabled list with a strained hamstring.
The Diamondbacks optioned Yasmany Tomas to the minors despite the outfielder still being owed $46 million over the next three seasons.
Padres’ starter Dinelson Lamet suffered an elbow injury in his last start and will start the season on the disabled list.
With their starting rotation in shambles, Ty Blach will start Opening Day for the Giants opposite Clayton Kershaw and the Dodgers.
Shohei Ohtani struggled this spring for the Angels, but the question remains of whether or not he should make the roster to start the season.
This Date in Mets History
The Mets acquired catcher Mackey Sasser on this date in 1988.