• David Wright came out feeling good after his first Grapefruit League action this spring. “The back felt good today,” Wright stated. “We’ll see how it feels tomorrow.” Wright is expected to play on Sunday at Tradition Field against the Red Sox. He expects to play again the following day at Tradition Field against the Marlins. How Wright’s back responds after back to back games will be something to monitor.

• ESPN New York’s Adam Rubin is reporting that Terry Collins has stated that Juan Lagares will be receiving starts in left field this season, as well as right field. Collins wants to play Lagares in left field and keep Yoenis Cespedes in center field, because he believes it’s best not to move Cespedes around too much.

• Former Mets shortstop Ruben Tejada was reportedly offered a minor league contract by the New York Yankees today. Mark Feinsand of the New York Daily News, has reported that Tejada has rejected the Yankees offer as as he is mulling a Major League offer. Newsday’s David Lennon confirms that report and stated, that Tejada indeed has multiple Major League contract offers that he is considering at this time. I would not be surprised to see Tejada have a new home before the end of the weekend.

• St. Louis Cardinals Rule 5 draft pick, Matt Bowman reportedly may be returned to the Mets by the end of Spring Training.The right-handed pitcher earlier in the week was a favorite to carve a spot out in the big league bullpen, but has struggled with the club this spring. Bowman has allowed 13 hits and 8 earned runs, in three games thus far. A five hit, four run outing on Wednesday may have sealed his fate. Bowman would report to AAA if returned to the Mets.

• David Wright played in a minor league game this afternoon as the designated hitter and went 0-3 with a sacrifice fly. He is expected to join the Mets lineup tomorrow evening against the Washington Nationals. Manager Terry Collins has stated Wright will get the start at third base and not at DH, as he and Wright both believe he is ready to play in the field.

• Dilson Herrera who started at second base for Colombia in their opening WBC qualifier today, was 0-2 with an RBI, a run scored, and three walks this afternoon against Spain. Mets shortstop prospect Luis Guillorme was 0-5 for Spain this afternoon. Guillorme is currently ranked as the Mets 15th best prospect by MLB.com.

• Catcher Nevin Ashley was assigned to minor league camp this morning cutting the Mets roster down to 38 players. Johnny Monell is the favorite for the Mets backup catcher job right now, baring a trade, with Kevin Plawecki expected to head to AAA Las Vegas to receive regular playing time.

• ESPN New York’s Adam Rubin is reporting that New York City is close to approving a smokeless tobacco ban at ticketed sporting events. The ban would include players and spectators, and will affect both Citi Field and Yankee Stadium. New York City would join Boston, Los Angeles, and San Fransisco, who have already passed similar bans.

• Washington Nationals number one prospect Lucas Giolito will get the nod as the starting pitcher to face the New York Mets tomorrow evening at Tradition Field. Giolito who is regarded as baseball’s top pitching prospect, has a 5.40 ERA with an 8/2 strikeout to walk split, in 3 games pitched this spring.

The New York Mets defeated the Miami Marlins this afternoon by the final score of 6-5 at Roger Dean Stadium. For a full boxscore recap follow the link below…

http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/gameday/index.jsp?gid=2016_03_17_nynmlb_miamlb_1#game=2016_03_17_nynmlb_miamlb_1,game_tab=box,game_state=Wrapup

Game Notes:

• Jacob deGrom pitched 3 strong innings allowing 1 hit, no runs, and 3 strikeouts.
• Steven Matz pitched 4 innings after deGrom allowing 5 hits, 3 runs, 1 walk and 3 strikeouts.
• Curtis Granderson was 2-3 with 3 RBI.
• Travis d’Arnaud who started behind the plate was 2-2 with 3 RBI and 2 runs scored.
• Alejandro De Aza was 1-1 with 2 runs scored. He is hitting .455 this spring.
• Yoenis Cespedes was 1-2 with a run scored. He was hit by a Edwin Jackson pitch in the top of the 5th on the wrist and left the game. The latest word on Cespedes, is that he will be ok.

• Tomorrow night, the Mets host the Washington Nationals for a 6:05 pm et. start at Tradition Field. The game can be seen on SNY and heard on WOR 710 AM.

• Bartolo Colon will take the mound for the Mets, with a starter for the Nationals yet to be announced. David Wright will also be making his Grapefruit League debut for the Mets tomorrow evening.

Terry Collins announced Matt Harvey as the Mets Opening Night starting pitcher this morning.  Collins had stated multiple reasons for the decision, which included Harvey’s performance at the end of last season, and questions surrounding deGrom’s availability as his wife is expecting their first child together during the series against Kansas City. Continue reading →