Mets Notes from Spring Training: 3/6

News and notes will be emerging throughout the day.  This post will be updated as new pieces of information come in (newest at the top)…

• Terry Collins said he expects Johan Santana to make his Grapefruit League debut a week from today.

• Jenrry Mejia is expected to travel back from New York to Port St. Lucie today, as long as bad weather doesn’t interfere.

• Per Andy Martino, ex-Met Francisco Rodriguez (visiting with Team Venezuela), said he “definitely” wants to come back to the Mets in order to “redeem himself.”  The free agent reliever was seeking $7 million guaranteed earlier this offseason, but it’s highly doubtful any team is willing to meet those demands at the moment.

Feb 26, 2013; Jupiter, FL, USA; New York Mets relief pitcher

(32) throws in the first inning during a spring training game against the Miami Marlins at Roger Dean Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

• Ike Davis wanted to replace Mark Teixeira for team USA, but he won’t get the chance.  Royals first baseman Eric Hosmer has been selected as the replacement.

• Zack Wheeler (stiff oblique) threw from flat ground yesterday for the first time since being injured.  He’s expected to throw from flat ground again today.

• Daniel Murphy (intercostal strain) has been hitting in the cage, and is close to returning to the lineup.

• Per ESPN, Jenrry Mejia, who was sent back to New York yesterday, is being examined for a Thyroid related issue.

• The Mets play Team Venezuela this afternoon at 12:35 PM.  Here’s the lineup:

1. Mike Baxter, RF
2. Collin Cowgill, DH
3. Ike Davis, 1B
4. Marlon Byrd, CF
5. Lucas Duda, LF
6. Justin Turner, 2B
7. John Buck, C
8. Zach Lutz, 3B
9. Ruben Tejada, SS

LHP Jonathon Niese gets the start.  Also scheduled to pitch are Hansel Robles and Scott Atchison.  Today’s game is not televised, but can be heard on ESPN 1050 (Spanish) radio.

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