Mets Morning News: Matz has another great spring outing, Adams cleared for baseball activites

Meet the Mets

The competition for the fifth starter slot is heating up. Steven Matz pitched three perfect innings in his outing yesterday, as both he and Michael Wacha continue be lights out this spring.

Dellin Betances, however, did not have a great outing yesterday. But Luis Rojas is not concerned and says that the plan is still for Betances to be ready on Opening Day.

Matt Adams has been cleared for baseball activities after the “scariest week of [his] life” undergoing rounds of follow-up tests due to cardiac issues.

The Mets were utilizing technology yesterday to assess their pitchers’ motions and Noah Syndergaard decided that pants were optional for this activity.

Around the National League East

Mike Foltynewicz had a strong outing yesterday in the Braves’ 1-1 tie against the Rays and things are going much better for him in spring this time around.

“We really don’t have one,” Nationals manager Dave Martinez said on Thursday to the Washington Post regarding an emergency catcher. “If we were really desperate, we’d have to activate Brett Austin.”

Like the Mets, the Phillies have made their first round of roster cuts this spring.

MLBPA has expanded its grievance against the Marlins and Rays over lack of spending. It was already reported yesterday that they had done the same against the Pirates.

Around Major League Baseball

Despite their rocky relationship of late, MLB and the MLBPA both agree that the sign stealing scandal is a black mark on the game and are coming together to figure out how to regulate in-game use of technology.

One day, Mike Trout will inevitably decline. Dan Szymborski of Fangraphs takes a look at what that might look like.

Rob Arthur of Baseball Prospectus delved into what future cheating schemes might look like if the use of video technology is involved. And it is far worse than anything we’ve seen already from the Astros or Red Sox.

Managers are already struggling to adjust to the three-batter minimum, which will take effect this season.

Trey Mancini is going to miss time with the Orioles due to a “non-baseball medical procedure.” The details of the procedure are being kept private at this time.

Yesterday at Amazin’ Avenue

John Trupin covered some of the Mets’ early spring training cuts.

This Date in Mets History

On this date in 1966, Casey Stengel was elected into the Hall of Fame.