Murphy & Black progress, but unlikely for opener
PORT ST. LUCIE — Two Mets racing to be ready for Opening Day moved forward on Saturday, with Daniel Murphy (hamstring) appearing in a minor-league game, and Vic Black (shoulder) throwing a bullpen session.
But while players are progressing, it is more likely that they will both open the season on the disabled list.
Murphy, who has not played in a Grapefruit League game since March 19, returned to game action with five at-bats on the backfields on Saturday; he did not play defense. Both Sandy Alderson and Terry Collins are skeptical that the second baseman will be ready for April 6 in Washington.
Black threw 24 pitches from a mound and said he felt strong. The most likely course has the team backdating a DL stint, and activating him during the second series of the season in Atlanta or after that first road trip.
“I’m good with what they end up deciding to do, but the joy here is that my arm feels great, which means I can help the team out when the time comes,” Black said.
“He’s very close, but I don’t know if he’s going to make the time limit,” pitching coach Dan Warthen said.
Asked if he expected to have Black by Opening Day, Collins said, “He would have to make a huge stride, fast. I don’t see him facing hitters until Wednesday.”
PARNELL AHEAD OF PACE
Warthen indicated that Bobby Parnell could return in April. The most recent assumption has been that the reliever, rehabbing from Tommy John surgery, would not be ready until sometime in May.
“If we’re lucky enough, it’s a little sooner than that,” Warthen said.
DUDA TALKS
The Mets have engaged in preliminary contract talks with Lucas Duda, a source confirmed.
The arbitration-eligible Duda is making $4.2 million this year, and will be a free agent after the 2017 season, if he does not agree to an extension sooner.
A front-office favorite because of his approach, on-base skills and power, the 29-year-old Duda rewarded the team’s faith in him with a 30-home run season last year, following the trade of Ike Davis to Pittsburgh.
HOME RUN DERBY
The Mets defeated Washington, 10-2. Duda, Curtis Granderson, David Wright and Johnny Monell homered, and Jacob deGrom allowed one run in seven innings . . . The entire Mets roster will make the trip to Jupiter, Fla., for Sunday’s game, and will continue to travel for the rest of the spring schedule. This somewhat unusual move is intended to build camaraderie. . . . The Mets reassigned LHP Scott Rice to minor-league camp.