The New York Mets have revealed the Opening Night roster they will be taking with them to Kansas City, after this afternoon’s game against the Chicago Cubs. 

Lineup:

1. Curtis Granderson, RF

2. David Wright, 3B

3. Yoenis Cespedes, RF

4. Lucas Duda, 1B

5. Neil Walker, 2B

6. Michael Conforto, LF

7. Asdrubal Cabrera, SS

8. Travis d’Arnaud, C

Bench:

9. Kevin Plawecki, C

10. Wilmer Flores, IF

11. Eric Campbell, IF/OF

12. Juan Lagares, OF

13. Alejandro De Aza, OF

Rotation:

14. Matt Harvey, RHP

15. Noah Syndergaard, RHP

16. Jacob deGrom, RHP

17. Bartolo Colon, RHP

18. Steven Matz, LHP

DL — Zack Wheeler, RHP, will return July 1

Bullpen:

19. Jeurys Familia, RHP

20. Addison Reed, RHP

21. Antonio Bastardo, LHP

22. Jerry Blevins, LHP

23. Hansel Robles, RHP

24. Jim Henderson, RHP

25. Logan Verrett, RHP

DL — Josh Edgin, LHP, will return May 1

 

Obviously the biggest surprises with this roster include Kevin Plawecki making the team, and Logan Verrett beating out Sean Gilmartin for a spot in the bullpen as well. The Mets believe their bullpen is stronger with Verrett in it right now, and he could fill a variety of roles coming out of the bullpen. Sean Gilmartin will be stretched out as a starting pitcher in AAA Las Vegas according to pitching coach Dan Warthen. 

Jim Henderson making the team over Erik Goeddel should’ve been expected with the way Henderson has pitched all spring, and Goeddel being injured for the majority of the spring.  It is a little surprising that Matt Reynolds was not added to the roster as that was the original plan, but apparently the Mets brass changed their minds. Reynolds will head to AAA Las Vegas with Erik Goeddel and they both will hope to be called upon at some point later this season. 

With Kevin Plawecki making the team, you can expect Plawecki to get a few starts a week to give Travis d’Arnaud rest. The Mets originally wanted Plawecki to receive regular at-bats in Las Vegas, but apparently their minds have changed and they plan to get him some regular starts during the season. The Mets have two young catchers full of potential behind the plate, and it will be exciting this season to watch the growth both of these players show this season. 

The Mets will head to Kansas City with a 24-man roster, as reliever Hansel Robles is suspended for the first 2 games of the season for throwing a pitch directed at the head of Phillies catcher Cameron Rupp on September 30th.