Your Monday morning dose of New York Mets and Major League Baseball news, notes, and links.
Meet the Mets
Bad news struck for the Mets on Sunday, as Jon Niese was removed from his start versus the Cardinals after just two innings. It was later revealed that Niese had hyperextended his elbow, which at least rules out Tommy John surgery. He'll get an MRI done today in New York.
After Niese's departure, the Amazins rallied to defeat the Cardinals 10-4. Daniel Murphy and Matt Clark picked up three hits a piece while Cory Vaugh homered. Ruben Tejada, on the other hand, continued to struggle.
Meanwhile, In Las Vegas, the other half of the Mets lost 6-3 to the Cubs. Jenrry Mejia and Rafael Montero gave up two runs a piece in five combined innings while Andrew Brown and Zach Lutz paced the offense with home runs.
Around the Majors
With Stephen Drew now considered a prime target for Detroit, a younger shortstop may be replacing him on the market. Hot prospect Chris Owings is considered the favorite to start at shortstop for the Diamondbacks, and that could make talented sophomore Didi Gregorius available in a trade.
Even though Drew would be a good fit for the Tigers since they only need a "quick fix" at shortstop, they are also reportedly major players for Nick Franklin, another middle infielder who has been connected with the Mets.
On the other hand, Tigers GM Dave Dombrowski says the club is going to stick with "internal candidates" for a replacement shortstop.
Phillies lefty Cole Hamels was recently ruled out for Opening Day due to a setback with his shoulder tendinitis. However, he recently felt good during a bullpen session and could make his 2014 debut sometime in April.
Sad news out of Diamondbacks camp as promising young lefty Patrick Corbin has been diagnosed with UCL damage in his throwing elbow. He could end up needing Tommy John surgery, which would knock him out for the entire 2014 season.
Tampa Bay Rays management has discovered the most efficient way to help pediatric cancer patients: have the players (and manager) shave their heads for charity.
Yesterday at AA
Happy St. Patrick's Day! On this date in the year 2000, the Mets signed Timo Perez. It's also Vance Wilson's 41st birthday.
