Morning Briefing: Final Bench Spot Down to Ruf and Locastro
Wendell Cruz-USA TODAY Sports
Good morning, Mets fans!
The Mets made their latest rounds of cuts on Sunday, optioning infielder Danny Mendick and right-hander Jeff Brigham to Triple-A Syracuse. In addition, left-hander T.J. McFarland and righty Jimmy Yacabonis were re-assigned to minor-league camp.
With Mendick being sent down, the Mets have Tim Locastro and Darin Ruf battling for the final spot on the team’s bench. Locastro has an opt-out clause in his contract, which he could exercise should he not make the team. He’s been strong this spring, boasting a .927 OPS in 55 plate appearances. Ruf has battled a wrist injury this spring, though he’s shown some signs of life with his bat in recent games.
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Justin Verlander walked four and gave up eight hits and three runs in five innings in his final start of spring training, as the Mets and Marlins tied 3-3 in their Grapefruit League finale. Starling Marte continued his hot hitting, going 3-for-3 with two doubles and an RBI.
The Mets will host an intrasquad game for their final game at Clover Park this afternoon at 4:10. General admission tickets will be sold for $10 with free parking and concessions available. Gates will open at 3:00 pm.
The Italian-American Baseball Foundation is honoring Mike Piazza and Lou Tallarini at the Joe DiMaggio Award dinner on April 4. Attendees can bid on 25 rare and custom bronze-plated baseball cards, with proceeds going toward the IABF
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Braves right-hander Kyle Wright will begin the season on the injured list to allow him more time to build up for the season. His stint will be backdated to March 27, and he should be ready to make his season debut during the second week of April. Prospects Jared Shuster and Dylan Dodd will both make starts during the season’s opening week.
After his strong showing in the World Baseball Classic, Australian pitcher Mitch Neunborn has signed a minor-league contract with the Phillies. Neunborn is coming off a great season for the Adelaide Giants.
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James Villani states the case for David Peterson being the fifth starter in the Mets’ rotation.
James Villani recaps the Mets’ Grapefruit League finale.
On This Date in Mets History
1987: The Mets send catcher Ed Hearn along with right-handers Mauro Gozzo and Rick Anderson to the Royals for left fielder Chris Jelic and young righty David Cone. The 24-year-old Cone made 11 appearances for Kansas City in 1986. Hearn and Anderson both were solid contributors for the Mets in 1986, with Hearn serving as Gary Carter‘s backup.
1994: The Mets trade shortstop Kevin Baez and minor leaguer Tom Wegmann to the Orioles for first baseman David Segui. The 27-year-old Segui had a solid .751 OPS in 519 plate appearances in 1993.
Birthdays: Michael Cuddyer (44), Johnny Monell (37), Brandon Nimmo (30)
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