MLB Player News

Zack Wheeler has emerged as the most effective starting pitcher this spring for the Mets with another strong outing Thursday, this time against a Braves team using several starters.

Wheeler struck out just two in 5 1/3 innings and yielded five hits, including a first inning home run by Ernesto Mejia. He gave up both of his runs in the first inning, then blanked Atlanta over the next 3 1/3. He will likely start the second game of the season for the Mets.

Lance Lynn has earned the fourth spot in the Cardinals rotation based on his performance the last two years, but he has not pitched like the team's fourth-best starter this spring. His mediocre exhibition season continued Thursday.

Lynn was merely OK in four innings against Miami. He gave up three runs on four hits and three walks, but did strike out five. His ERA rose to 6.35.

The 26-year-old Lynn has won 33 of 50 decisions in the last two years combined with a 3.89 ERA, so he should be given the benefit of the doubt for his poor spring numbers.

Nationals ace Stephen Strasburg not only blanked the tough Tigers for five innings Thursday. He also thoroughly outpitched reigning American League Cy Young Award winner Max Scherzer.

Strasburg appears primed for opening day. He yielded just three hits in five innings with one walk and five strikeouts. He has been downright devastating all spring, giving up just one run on eight hits with 10 strikeouts in 14 innings.

Reds opening day starter Johnny Cueto has been scratched from his Thursday start due to irritation in his scapula. The ailment is not considered serious. Bryan Price indicated he could have pitched had it been a regular season game.

Terry Collins has a message for those seemingly jumping the gun on Dillon Gee replacing  the injured Jonathon Niese as the Mets opening day starter: Not so fast.

Collins told the New York Daily News that his decision will be made this weekend. Among the candidates could be impressive 23-year-old southpaw Zack Wheeler, who boasts a sparkling 0.84 ERA in 10 2/3 innings this spring.

Nationals pitcher Stephen Strasburg was named the starter for opening day on Wednesday.

Strasburg has given up one earned run in nine innings this spring, but he figured to be on the hill for the opener no matter how he performed. He'll be seeking a strong follow-up to quality seasons in 2012 and 2013.

Reds right-hander Johnny Cueto is all but locked in as the opening day starter. Bryan Price indicated that Wednesday, but did not make it official, per the Cincinnati Enquirer.

Cueto has had a mediocre spring. He has pitched 13 2/3 innings and compiled a 4.61 ERA. But he has walked just two and struck out 13.

Cardinals 22-year-old right-hander Carlos Martinez continued his push for a spot in the starting rotation Wednesday with another fine performance.

Martinez lowered his spring ERA to 1.76 by surrendering just one earned run in 5 1/3 innings against the Twins. He walked one and struck out four, but it should be noted that Minnesota was using only a few of its top position players.

While the Mets are in the market for a shortstop, one player they won't deal to get one is top pitching prospect Noah Syndergaard, according to CBSSports.com Baseball Insider Jon Heyman. 

Scouts from the Diamondbacks and Mariners were watching Syndergaard pitch on the back fields at the Mets' spring facility Tuesday, but a person familair with the Mets' thinking told Heyman the team isn't willing to offer Syndergaard in a deal for a shortstop.

The Mets have been linked to trade rumors involving Mariners infielder Nick Franklin, and Arizona shortstops Chris Owings and Didi Gregorius.

Phillies starting pitcher Cole Hamels (shoulder) threw 40-plus pitches during a bullpen session Wednesday morning. Hamels was pleased with his outing and will progress to throwing to hitters Saturday.