The day before the first Spring Training game we wrote an article looking at the Mets 26-man roster. (You can read it here). In the article we concluded that if one of Jed Lowrie and Yoenis Cespedes was not able to play by Opening Day, than Luis Guillorme would make the team. We also thought that Matz and Porcello would start and Wacha would be the long-man in the pen. Finally that the battle for the last bullpen spot would come down to Drew Smith, Tyler Bashlor and Daniel Zamora. Now that the Mets have played baseball for 8 days, let’s take a look.
Injury Notes:
Seth Lugo pitched off a mound today, a good sign that his toe is healing. J.D. Davis has no timetable for returning since jamming his shoulder, but the team isn’t acting like it’s serious. Brandon Nimmo was sent for additional testing with his heart but he’s fine and has played fine since the additional tests. Cespedes had a press conference that he’s aiming for mid-March for baseball games and that he’s on track for Opening Day. Who knows about Jed Lowrie. Still a mystery.
Rotation Notes:
The first week has added more confusion to the back half of the rotation. All of Matz, Porcello and Wacha have looked good so far this Spring. The Mets announced that maybe Matz and Wacha do some form of time share as a fifth starter. Wacha’s response after his first start was that when he signed he was told he was a starter. Matz said after his second start that he’s a starter. So we are no where closer to a conclusion here.
Bench Notes:
Luis Guillorme had a good week and showed plenty of glove. His main competition for the active roster is Eduardo Nunez who has also been getting a lot of playing time. I don’t see any evidence right now that Guillorme’s spot is in jeopardy. It’s also early in the Spring. If Cespedes starts the year on the DL, Ryan Cordell has made a strong case in Spring so far that he should be considered as a back up.
Bullpen Notes:
Bashlor has thrown 3.0 innings of scoreless baseball with 3 hits and 2 strikeouts. Zamora has thrown 3.0 innings of scoreless baseball with 4 strikeouts. In addition Blackham on an NRI has been impressive throwing 3.0 innings (with a hit and two walks). It’s still way to early to figure out where the bullpen race is heading.
