Mets Morning News: Please remain calm while we await news on Conforto

Meet the Mets

The Mets played to an anti-climactic 1-1 tie against the Marlins yesterday. Walker Lockett tossed three scoreless frames, and Seth Lugo made his spring debut with a 1-2-3 fourth.

Michael Conforto tweaked his side while making a catch and his heading back to New York to meet with the team’s medical director. He had an MRI in Florida following the injury.

Pete Alonso is getting a lot of at-bats this spring in an effort to get his timing down.

Eduardo Nunez, who has played primarily second and third base this spring, will take reps at shortstop and in the outfield over the next two weeks according to Luis Rojas.

Marcus Stroman is working on throwing his changeup more effectively this spring and says it can take him “to the next level.”

Tomas Nido has hired Gradum Baseball and owner Lorenzo Garmendia in an effort to turn his career around.

Yoenis Cespedes and Jed Lowrie have added to the team’s intriguing spring.

Cespedes could be playing in Mets’ spring games sooner rather than later.

Baseball Prospectus previewed the 2020 Mets’ season.

For a third straight year, Citi Field’s revenue fell.

On Jimmy Fallon last night, former Yankee Alex Rodriguez said he would think about buying the Mets “if the opportunity came up.”

Around the National League East

Bryce Harper shared his thoughts on the Astros cheating scandal.

Aaron Nola had to miss his start on Monday after coming down with the flu.

The Nationals will soon have a ton of decisions to make with their roster.

After seeing his career derailed by the yips, Tyler Matzek is attempting a comeback with the Braves.

MLB Trade Rumors broke down Miami’s offseason moves.

Around Major League Baseball

Major League Baseball will shutter locker rooms to the media in an effort to stop the spread of the coronavirus. The same precautions were recently taken by the NBA and the NHL.

Players will be available during press conferences and outside the clubhouse, but will be asked to keep a 6-foot distance to abide by the CDC’s suggestion.

Ken Rosenthal examined why clubhouse access matters. (Paywall alert)

The regular season games will still go on, and spring training games will continue as scheduled, but the league will remain nimble and will monitor local markets.

Tim Anderson is one of baseball’s rising young stars, and he is here to save the game from itself.

The Indians and Francisco Lindor have stopped negotiations for a contract extension.

Japan’s top baseball league, Nippon Professional Baseball, has postponed the beginning of its season following the spread of the coronavirus.

Former Orioles outfielder Adam Jones discussed the feeling of playing in front of empty stadiums in Japan amid fears of the coronavirus.

Astros ace Justin Verlander has been shut down with a “mild lat strain”.

Yesterday at Amazin’ Avenue

I shared my season preview for utility infielder Luis Guillorme, who is expected to make the Opening Day roster for the second straight season.

Allison McCague shared the news of Conforto’s recent injury.

This Date in Mets History

The Mets played their first ever game on this date in 1962, dropping their Grapefruit League debut 8-0 to the Cardinals.