David Wright, Daniel Murphy expected to start Opening Day
David Wright celebrates his sixth-inning two-run home run against the Miami Marlins with Daniel Murphy in a game against the Miami Marlins at Citi Field. (April 25, 2012) Credit: Jim McIsaac
PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. -- David Wright and Daniel Murphy expect to be in the lineup in Saturday's spring training finale against the Orioles. Barring any setbacks, the two Mets starters almost surely will be ready for Monday's season opener against the Padres.
"I feel pretty good, considering the circumstances," Wright said Friday after the Mets' 7-2 win over the Cardinals. In his first big-league action since straining his left intercostal muscle at the WBC, Wright was 0-for-3 and played five innings at third base. Murphy went 2-for-4 in his second Grapefruit League game after missing time with a strained right intercostal.
Confrontation
General manager Sandy Alderson told WFAN that the team has had "extensive conversations" regarding a confrontation between top pitching prospect Zack Wheeler and third-base prospect Aderlin Rodriguez.
During a recent minor-league intrasquad game, Wheeler reportedly hit Rodriguez, who had taken his time rounding the bases after an earlier home run.
Roster decisions
Manager Terry Collins said the Mets have made several roster decisions.
Righthanders Jeurys Familia and Greg Burke earned spots in the bullpen. Veteran Scott Rice beat out Robert Carson as the final lefthanded reliever. Kirk Nieuwenhuis appears to have played his way into the outfield mix. If Justin Turner (ankle) lands on the disabled list to start the year, infielder Zach Lutz likely will make the club. Shaun Marcum (shoulder, neck) is expected to begin the season on the DL.
Jeremy Hefner is expected to pitch Saturday, four days after a comebacker left him with a bruised right elbow.
