Meet the Mets<\/p>\n
The Mets fell to the Cardinals 4-3<\/a> as we enter the last weekend of Grapefruit League action before the start of the regular season.<\/p>\n Francisco Alvarez left Thursday\u2019s game early with back tightness, but he already appears to be on the mend<\/a>.<\/p>\n Advertisement<\/p>\n Advertisement<\/p>\n Advertisement<\/p>\n Bo Bichette got some time at shortstop yesterday as he prepares for the possibility of serving as the team\u2019s de facto backup at the position.<\/p>\n Bichette will not be intimidated<\/a> by the pressure of playing in New York.<\/p>\n The Mets still have some roster decisions to make<\/a>, including the winner of the right field battle and the order for their starting rotation.<\/p>\n Jorge Polanco got some advice about adjusting to first base<\/a> from a very valuable source: 11-time Gold Glover Keith Hernandez.<\/p>\n We continue to inch closer to the opening day matchup between Freddy Peralta versus Paul Skenes<\/a>.<\/p>\n When A.J. Ewing is not on the baseball field, you might be able to find him indulging in another of his pastimes: playing the guitar<\/a>.<\/p>\n Advertisement<\/p>\n Advertisement<\/p>\n Advertisement<\/p>\n Around the National League East<\/p>\n The Phillies finalized their rotation for the start of the season, with Christopher S\u00e1nchez being announced as the opening day starter<\/a> and prospect Andrew Painter having officially made the major league squad<\/a>.<\/p>\n The Braves have added a beefy boi to their organization, as they have inked Rowdy Tellez to a minor league deal<\/a>.<\/p>\n Janson Junk has made the Marlins\u2019 rotation<\/a> after Miami optioned Braxton Garrett to the minors.<\/p>\n In somewhat surprising news, the Nationals have demoted outfielder Dylan Crews to Triple-A<\/a> following a poor spring.<\/p>\n Around Major League Baseball<\/p>\n Guardians relievers Emmanuel Clase and Luis Ortiz were placed on unpaid leave<\/a> as the legal proceedings against the two of them continue.<\/p>\n Advertisement<\/p>\n Advertisement<\/p>\n Advertisement<\/p>\n Walker Buehler has made the opening day rotation<\/a> for the Padres.<\/p>\n The Yankees demoted former top prospect Jasson Dom\u00ednguez<\/a> to Triple-A for the start of the season.<\/p>\n Wyatt Langford is poised for a big season<\/a> in his third major league season with the Rangers.<\/p>\n The Pirates are reportedly discussing a long-term extension<\/a> with top prospect Konnor Griffin.<\/p>\n MLB.com\u2019s Anthony Castrovince offered some bold predictions<\/a> for the 2026 season.<\/p>\n Yesterday at Amazin\u2019 Avenue<\/p>\n Allison McCague discussed the eventual return of A.J. Minter<\/a> to the Mets bullpen.<\/p>\n Brian Salvatore reviewed some of the new food items<\/a> at Citi Field this year.<\/p>\n Linus Lawrence provided the Round 1 results<\/a> for the Mets Madness tournament.<\/p>\n This Date in Mets History<\/p>\n