Spring snow in New York has thrown the Mets' schedule into a bit of a scramble, but there's plenty to talk about as the team navigates the early season. Let's break down the latest from Queens and around the league.
Mets Moves and Roster Shuffles
Right-hander Carl Edwards Jr. has elected free agency after being designated for assignment by the Mets. Meanwhile, the team's rotation has been pushed back a day following yesterday's postponement, giving pitchers an extra day of rest as they adjust to the new schedule.
On the Field Adjustments
Last night's game was postponed to tomorrow, and today's contest has been moved to later this evening. For fans tracking the action, Mark Vientos appears to be rediscovering his 2024 form—just when the Mets need a spark. Brandon Nimmo, meanwhile, is already noticing some key differences between playing in New York versus his time in Texas, offering an interesting perspective on adapting to a new environment.
Around the Division and League
ESPN handed out preseason grades to every team, and the Mets' mark was about as low as you'd expect given their early challenges. Elsewhere in the NL East: the Marlins designated pitcher Chris Paddack for assignment, while the Braves activated closer Raisel Iglesias and sent Dylan Dodd on a rehab assignment. The Phillies, under interim manager Don Mattingly, continued their hot streak with a dominant 9-1 win over the Athletics—Cristopher Sánchez was electric, throwing eight scoreless innings with ten strikeouts and allowing just three hits.
Other Notable Results
The Marlins fell 9-7 to the Orioles after Andrew Nardi gave up two runs in the top of the ninth on back-to-back RBI singles. The Nationals were routed 11-3 by the Twins, with Cade Cavalli surrendering six runs (three earned) and Andre Granillo giving up four. The Braves edged the Mariners 3-2, thanks to Matt Olson's solo homer in the top of the ninth, and Raisel Iglesias earned the save in his return from the injured list.
Inspiring Fandom and Front Office Changes
If you've ever wondered what it takes to be the ultimate baseball fan, look no further than the man who attended his 10,000th game during the Mets' doubleheader against the Rockies—a milestone that puts even the most dedicated supporters to shame. In organizational news, the Tigers terminated the contract of Toledo Mud Hens manager Gabe Alvarez, naming former Met Mike Hessman as interim manager. The Red Sox also made a change, with new interim manager Chad Tracy implementing subtle adjustments to help the team find its footing.
Star Watch
Mike Trout believes his hot start is a return to form, a promising sign for Angels fans and baseball purists alike. As the season unfolds, keep an eye on how these storylines—from weather delays to roster moves—shape the early narrative for the Mets and their rivals.