Meet the Mets
Despite allowing two solo homers, Kodai Senga had a really good outing in his spring debut yesterday. “Really good signs,” manager Carlos Mendoza said of Senga’s performance. “We saw it from the very beginning when we’re watching live BPs on the backfield. It’s not something that I’ve seen the two years that I’ve been here. On the first day 94-95 [mph], and then Day One, when he’s playing in a real game, and you see 97-98 and just how sharp he was. He’s healthy, and we can see it now.”
Senga has also shown an upbeat demeanor this spring that is indicative of how good he feels.
Robert Stock, who experienced shoulder discomfort after throwing for Team Israel in the World Baseball Classic, has thoracic outlet syndrome and will need surgery. He hopes to be back by the end of the season, but was told he has the “bad” kind of TOS in which the artery is compressed.
Veteran reliever Craig Kimbrel is pulling out all of the stops and tinkering with his repertoire to try to make the Mets.
Around the National League East
Charlie Wright of MLB Trade Rumors checked in on the battle for the final spot on the Phillies’ roster.
Battery Power took a look back at their bold predictions for the Braves’ 2025 season, which mostly did not turn out looking so great.
Federal Baseball remarked upon the fact that Cionel Perez and (former Met) Drew Smith were late additions to the Nationals’ bullpen picture, but yet among the more impressive arms so far this spring.
Around Major League Baseball
Yesterday was a World Baseball Classic day for the ages. There had never been a walk-off home run in the history of the tournament, but yesterday there were two in one day. First, Ozzie Albies’ walk-off three-run shot helped the Netherlands stun Nicaragua and then Puerto Rico narrowly avoided an upset at the hands of Panama in extras thanks to Darell Hernaiz’s no-doubt walk-off homer.
Most of the other games yesterday were not as tight, but still filled with exciting moments. After falling behind early and being held scoreless for the first four frames, a huge fifth inning helped propel Team USA to a 9-1 win over Great Britain.
Luis Arraez hit two home runs in Venezuela’s thrashing of Israel.
Italy was also dominant yesterday, slugging their way to a decisive 8-0 victory over Brazil.
Canada defeated Colombia 8-2 thanks to an Owen Caissie homer and a strong performance by Michael Soroka.
Earlier this morning, Japan, who had already advanced to the knockout stage with their thrilling victory over Korea yesterday, came from behind to beat Australia and secure the top seed out of Pool C.
Ace Tarik Skubal told USA Today Sports that the Tigers did not make him a long-term offer this offseason. Skubal is currently with Team USA for the World Baseball Classic and had planned to make one start and return to camp, but he is now considering pitching deeper into the tournament.
Yesterday at Amazin’ Avenue
Lukas Vlahos previewed Vidal Brujan’s season as he vies to make the team.
This Date in Mets History
On this date in 1966, Casey Stengel was elected to the Hall of Fame.
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