Both pitchers figure to begin the season with the Las Vegas 51s.
The Mets have sent right-handed starting pitcher Jacob deGrom and right-handed relief pitcher Jeff Walters to minor league camp. Last year, deGrom split his season between Double-A Binghamton and Triple-A Las Vegas, while Walters spent the entire year with Binghamton.
In spring training games, deGrom allowed just one run in 7.1 innings with 7 strikeouts and 3 walks. Given the Mets' current starting pitching depth, it seemed a long shot that he would make the team's Opening Day roster. It won't be a surprise if he eventually appears for the Mets this year, though.
Walters only threw 3.2 innings in spring games and fared just fine, but the 26-year-old will presumably get a shot to close games for the 51s this year. While the Mets' bullpen competition is crowded, there's a whole lot of uncertainty going into the season. Like deGrom, he could very well get his first major league chance during the season.
