Just Mets

The Mets are in Arlington, Texas tonight to play the first of two exhibition games against the Rangers at Globe Life Park beginning at 8:05 PM ET. Here are some of the things I’m looking for tonight…

Jacob deGrom’s final tune-up.

Much like the other starting pitchers, deGrom has had a fantastic spring, pitching to a 2.45 ERA in 22 innings over five starts, issuing only four walks while striking out 21 batters over that span. It’s not clear how long he will go tonight, but I expect him to be putting the final touches on the feel for his off-speed pitches throughout the evening. He’ll be facing most of the Ranger regulars to start off tonight, so he should have a good final test before he faces Washington next Wednesday.

Curtis Granderson’s knee is apparently ok.

Granderson was hit by a pitch in the first inning of Thursday’s game against the Cardinals and left for precautionary reasons. He told reporters yesterday there was some swelling, but if it was a regular season game he would have stayed in the game. As such, he tested it in Arlington this afternoon and gave the green light to play. He still might be slowed out there tonight, so it’s worth watching if he can hang in there tonight.

The Mets are playing in a big league park.

For some reason, I always find it neat when teams play exhibition games in big league ballparks. It gives the players to readjust to night games and the lighting in a major venue, and it also gives some of the minor leaguers the club brought with them on the trip to experience the amenities of a Major League stadium.

The Mets haven’t done it since 2009 when they opened Citi Field. I know the weather typically isn’t great in New York this time of year, but I think it would be great if the Mets got back to doing it more often.

Tonight’s game will not be on local TV, but you can watch it on MLB.tv. You can listen to it locally on 710 AM WOR Radio or MLB Gameday Audio.