Mets Notes from Spring Training: 3/26

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)…

• Despite the below report from Bowden, Adam Rubin of ESPN tweeted that the Mets will deal with any starting pitching needs internally.

• Jim Bowden reports that the Mets have been in contact with RHP Chris Young, who recently opted out of his contract with the Nationals.

• Jeremy Hefner was drilled on his pitching elbow by a one hopper off the bat of Carlos Beltran.  Hefner immediately left the game and went for X-Rays which came back negative.

• David Wright (strained intercostal) was the DH in a minor league game today.  Wright went 1 for 5 while participating in two different minor league games.  Per the beat writers, Wright ran the bases unrestricted (reaching on an error and scoring from second base on a single).  Wright told reporters he expects to play in another minor league game on Thursday.  Expect Wright to only appear in minor league games for the rest of spring training just in case he suffers a setback.  In that instance, the Mets would be able to backdate his disabled list stint.  At this point, though, Wright appears to be on track to be with the Mets on Opening Day.

March 14, 2013; Port St Lucie, FL, USA; New York Mets center fielder Matt den Dekker (68) makes a sliding catch against the Detroit Tigers in the spring training game at Tradition Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Barr-USA TODAY Sports

• Jenrry Mejia has been diagnosed with right elbow inflammation.  He won’t be cleared to pitch for at least six weeks.

• Matt den Dekker (broken right wrist), will not need surgery.  He’ll be in a cast for six weeks.

• Pedro Feliciano, who was informed that he hasn’t made the team, has decided to stay with the organization and report to AAA.  Feliciano will receive a bonus worth $100,000.

• Shaun Marcum felt pain in his neck during his last bullpen session.  He’s been scratched from the start he was scheduled to make on Thursday, and will be treated with anti-inflammatories.  Due to Marcum’s new ailment, pitching coach Dan Warthen informed the media that he has “legitimate concerns” regarding Marcum’s readiness for the season.  Adam Rubin tweeted that the goal is to have Marcum pitch the fifth game of the season if he avoids the disabled list, or the sixth game of the season if he lands on the DL.  If Marcum isn’t able to make it back by then, the Mets would likely choose from Aaron Laffey, Collin McHugh, and Cory Mazzoni as a temporary fill-in.

• The Mets host the Cardinals this afternoon at Tradition Field in a game that can be seen on SNY.  Here’s the Mets’ lineup:

1. Jordany Valdespin, 2B
2. Justin Turner, 3B
3. Ike Davis, 1B
4. Marlon Byrd, RF
5. Lucas Duda, LF
6. John Buck, C
7. Kirk Nieuwenhuis, CF
8. Omar Quintanilla, SS
9. Jeremy Hefner, RHP

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