Five Things To Know From The Eppler/Showalter Press Conference
Billy Eppler and Buck Showalter held a joint press conference on Sunday as all Mets players arrived at spring training. The duo talked about the team’s activity since the lockout lifted as well as comments about the roster moving forward as spring training gets underway.
Jacob deGrom Has No Restrictions
Probably the most important thing we learned Sunday is Jacob deGrom doesn’t have any restrictions as he starts throwing for the Mets.
DeGrom’s 2021 season ended in late July due to an elbow injury. He tried to work his way back, but once the Mets fell out of playoff contention, he shut it down. Sandy Alderson later revealed deGrom’s injury was a partially torn UCL–the Tommy John ligament–but healed with rest. He could have pitched in the postseason had the Mets made it, the team said.
The star pitcher was seen throwing in the outfield grass Sunday after reporting to camp. He’s expected to talk to the media Monday, when we’ll surely learn more of deGrom’s offseason and how his elbow feels.
Robinson Cano Wants To Address The Team
Buck Showalter revealed Robinson Canó reached out to him and asked if he could address the team as a whole after returning from a full-year suspension after testing positive for performance-enhancing drugs.
Showalter didn’t reveal when that conversation will take place, but team president Sandy Alderson previously commented on Canó back in November: “How he is received will depend on how he conducts himself and explains himself between now and spring training.”
Canó will start the season on the Mets’ bench while likely getting reps from the designated hitter spot. He also may get time at second and third base.
The 39-year-old played in the Dominican Winter League while away from the team. He got off to a rough start in the LIDOM regular season and finished with a .651 OPS through 43 plate appearances. He performed better while playing in the Caribbean Series, notching a 1.091 OPS over 31 plate appearances. His power numbers struggled across the board, though.
Eppler Would Be “Surprised” By Another Bat
After adding Chris Bassitt and Adam Ottavino (not yet official) post-lockout, Eppler said he would be “fairly surprised” if the team added another bat. This likely means players like Kris Bryant or Kyle Schwarber aren’t on the team’s radar. Eppler also said, though, that he’s not ruling anything out. The team could still be in the market for depth outfielders and bats–just not the names left at the top of the market.
When sifting through potential moves, Eppler said he loops in owner Steve Cohen, even mentioning he’s talked to Cohen about potential moves Sunday. (He didn’t expand on that, obviously.)
Peterson, Szapucki Are Starters
One potential move Eppler floated was adding another arm, likely one that would end up in the bullpen. (He noted lefty Alex Claudio as someone on the current roster who’d get a “long look,” according to MMO’s Mike Mayer.)
The general manager clarified the roles of David Peterson and Thomas Szapucki, though, noting they are starters and will be working out all spring to stretch out for the regular season. They aren’t viewed as potential impacts on the bullpen right now. Both Peterson and Szapucki will likely end up in Triple-A Syracuse’s Opening Day rotation.
Met Legend Guest Instructors
Per tradition, the Mets will bring a couple significant names back into the fold as guest instructors during spring training. Showalter said some of those instructors would be:
Showalter didn’t clarify what days the ex-Mets would be guest instructors, though Hernandez will be at Mets camp Monday. He, of course, has obligations for SNY and will likely be around camp for multiple weeks.
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