Just Mets

A pulled hamstring has sidelined Daniel Murphy for about a week, but on Monday, Terry Collins said Murphy has been cleared for baseball activities.

Given the limited time left in Spring Training, the Mets have a plan to get Murphy caught up.

Collins told Mike Puma of the New York Post Murphy could play in minor league games as soon as this weekend, which would allow him to accumulate more than a normal slate of at-bats to catch him up.

“We can pour on those minor league at bats in the next week and get him the number of at-bats to hopefully get him going,” Collins said.

The Mets will presumably play Murphy’s situation cautiously. That being said, I wouldn’t expect him to play in a major league game again this spring. By keeping him on the minor league side, the Mets can backdate a stint on the disabled list by up to ten days before Opening Day if he needs more time. If Murphy comes back and injures his hamstring within that ten day threshold, a DL stint cannot be backdated.

Keeping Murphy out will also afford the Mets an opportunity to continue their examination of Daniel Muno, who has been very impressive so far in camp. Muno is being evaluated as a utility infielder as well as a possible replacement to Murphy, should Murphy start the year on the disabled list.