Mets Morning News: Zack Wheeler has solid start, Rafael Montero’s struggles continue

Meet the Mets

Zack Wheeler had a solid outing against the Yankees as he continues to battle for the fifth rotation spot.

Rafael Montero’s appearance did not go quite as well.

New York has two rookie mangers in town and they are both tasked with bringing success back to New York.

Despite being a former pitching coach, Mickey Callaway is letting his staff handle the pitchers.

Yoenis Cespedes had the audacity to wear his hat backwards during drills, which apparently was egregious enough to warrant a column from one peevish columnist.

Counterpoint: Cespedes’s “antics” are only a problem according to one columnist.

Tony Clark visited the Mets as the head of the MLBPA and some players voiced their concern over the current free agent market which includes former teammate Neil Walker.

Amed Rosario clarified that he injured his groin while he was favoring his knee. He is still sore but close to returning, but neither Rosario or Dominic Smith will play this weekend.

Jacob deGrom, on the other hand, will play this weekend and will make his first start of the spring on Sunday.

It is obviously a small sample size, but so far the numbers Matt Harvey has been putting up this spring have been promising.

Chris Flexen struggled at the big league level last season after making the leap from Double-A, but the righty viewed it as a learning opportunity and is working to improve this season.

Todd Frazier wanted to stay close to home when he made his decision to sign with the Mets and he so far his new teammates are happy he chose to come to Queens.

The Mets and Make-A-Wish teamed up to help make the dreams come true of a 17-year old cancer survivor.

Around the National League East

Braves’ prospect Ronald Acuna deserves a spot on the roster on Opening Day, but he will probably be called up later in April instead.

Around Major League Baseball

ESPN put together a fascinating, in-depth look of Ichiro Suzuki and why he returned to Mariners.

Mike Moustakas remains unsigned and has not ruled out the possibility of sitting out the season and re-entering the market next winter.

The Yankees are considering making slugger Aaron Judge their leadoff hitter this season.

Clayton Kershaw got the best of Shohei Ohtani in their first meeting of the spring.

Rays pitcher Jose De Leon was diagnosed with a torn ulnar collateral ligament and will have to undergo Tommy John surgery.

Yesterday at Amazin’ Avenue

David Capobianco thinks this could be a pivotal season for Steven Matz.

Steve Sypa previewed Gerson Bautista’s season.

This Date in Mets History

In 1966, the Veterans Committee informed Casey Stengel that he had been unanimously elected into the Hall of Fame.