Your Wednesday morning dose of Mets and Major League Baseball news, notes, and links.
Meet the Mets
The Mets traveled to play the Braves and lost 3-2. Bartolo Colon started and gave up three runs over three innings. The bullpen finished the rest of the game without allowing a run.
There was concern over Josh Edgin's sagging velocity over the last few days, and now he is set to get an MRI on his elbow. Edgin was the only obvious choice for a lefty in the bullpen at the start of spring training.
Despite these concerns about the bullpen, Noah Syndergaard and Steven Matz will not make the major league team out of the bullpen. Management wants them to continue developing as starters, rather than filling in as relievers.
Matt Ehalt profiled prospect Matt Reynolds. Participating in his first big league spring training, it is unlikely that Reynolds will beat out Wilmer Flores for the shortstop job.
Around the NL East
Of particularly local interest, the Braves beat the Mets yesterday. From Atlanta's perspective, the team was led by a three-run home run by Freddie Freeman, and Julio Tehran who allowed one run over three innings.
In a showdown of two of the biggest signings of the offseason, Giancarlo Stanton went 0-for-2 against Max Scherzer. The Marlins beat the Nationals 2-1.
The Good Phight writes that Cliff Lee's injury doesn't matter for the Phillies. John Stolnis states that he has simply outlived his usefulness, as he is an old and injury-prone starter with a huge contract.
Around Major League Baseball
Blue Jays pitcher Marcus Stroman tore his ACL and is out for the year. The injury occurred during fielding practice.
Jeff Passan reported that the Padres are the favorites to land Cuban free-agent Hector Olivera. The Braves, A's, and Dodgers were all involved but have balked at the price.
Yasmany Tomas hit his first home run of the spring, but Diamondbacks manager Chip Hale expressed disappointment with his defense at third base. Tomas was primarily a corner outfielder in Cuba.
Actor Will Ferrell will participate in Cactus League games Thursday. He will be shuttled by helicopter to different games and play all nine positions.
Yesterday at AA
Juan Lagares could be the key to the Mets' future, writes Mike Pisciotta. With some improvements to his offensive game, he could turn into a perennial All-Star.
Dustin Petzold reflected on the Mets' relationship with the city of Binghamton. He hopes that this relationship will continue for a long time.
This Day in Mets History
One day after playing their first ever spring training game, the Mets got their first spring training win. They topped the Cardinals, the same team who had shut them out a day earlier.