ESNY has all the New York Mets news for April 5, including Seth Lugo’s trip to the disabled list and Bartolo Colon’s return to Citi Field.
At one point this spring New York Mets‘ righty Seth Lugo was in competition for a rotation spot, and was at least guaranteed a role in the bullpen.It appears, though, that his recent participation in the World Baseball Classic for Team Puerto Rico may have caught up with him, as Lugo has officially been diagnosed with a partially torn UCL in his throwing elbow.
The injury will keep him sidelined for a few weeks, as the Mets and team doctors are hoping rest and a throwing program will help Lugo avoid Tommy John surgery.
ESNY’s Matthew Solof has more on the now weakened Mets’ starting pitching depth after Lugo’s injury here.
Bartolo Colon is about to make his season debut today against his former team, in front of fans that, no doubt, love him no less even in his Atlanta Braves uniform.
Colon will oppose Jacob deGrom, who is looking to start his 2017 season strong as he’s coming off of offseason elbow surgery.
Big Bart tipped his cap to the Citi Field faithful on Opening Day Monday after he received a standing ovation when his name was called during player introductions.
Colon had some memorable moments in New York, including a multitude of incredible defensive plays and a seemingly impossible home run he hit at Petco Park against the San Diego Padres.
Mets catcher Travis d’Arnaud is expected to make his season debut today as well, as he was the only starter missing from the lineup Monday with backup Rene Rivera being used as ace Noah Syndergaard‘s personal backstop.
d’Arnaud is looking to impact the Mets’ lineup much more than last year, as the righty revamped his swing this offseason in the hopes of capitalizing on possibly one of the last chances he’ll receive to be the team’s starting catcher for good.