There are just over two weeks before Opening Day, and Vic Black’s health remains a major question mark.
Black was reportedly slated to resume his throwing program on Saturday, but he told reporters on Sunday he is still on anti-inflammatory medication, so he did not throw on Saturday.
Today is the last day Black will be on medication, and he said he is expects to resume throwing tomorrow.
Black has been sidelined for about ten days with inflammation in his right shoulder. An MRI on Black’s shoulder came back clean last weekend, but was unable to resume his throwing program early last week after reporting continued pain.
Given the timing and Black’s status, it seems likely he will open the season on the disabled list. They can backdate his stint on the DL by up to ten days before Opening Day, so if all goes well Black could return by the first weekend of the season in Atlanta.
Now, it seems the Mets are intent on bringing Rafael Montero north as a replacement to Dillon Gee, who was reinstalled into the rotation when Zack Wheeler was lost for the season.
As such, in the event Black is unable to go, the Mets could consider Buddy Carlyle, Zack Thornton or Erik Goeddel as alternatives. Goeddel is the only one of the three on the 40-man roster, but he has struggled mightily this spring whereas Carlyle and Thornton have had strong camps to date. With two 40-man roster spots open right now (Wheeler and Josh Edgin will be moved to the 60-day disabled list on Opening Day), and maybe a third if they decide to designate Cesar Puello for assignment, the Mets should have some immediate roster flexibility to add a reliever (or two) if necessary.
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