Mets to give hint at season-opening rotation

JUPITER, Fla. -- The Mets have used their first week of Grapefruit League games to try out various pitchers on the mound, preparing Seth Lugo for the World Baseball Classic while also showcasing some of their lesser-known prospects.
That's about to change. The Mets plan to roll out their main starting pitchers beginning Friday against the Astros, when Noah Syndergaard makes his spring debut.
Jacob deGrom will follow Syndergaard on Saturday, with Matt Harvey pitching Sunday and Steven Matz on Monday -- the Mets' strongest hint yet at what their Opening Day rotation may look like.

The club has not revealed a specific date for Zack Wheeler to appear in his first Grapefruit League game, saying only that he is tentatively scheduled for a slot following the Mets' March 7 off-day.
As for Lugo, the right-hander fired another three scoreless innings in Tuesday's 3-1 win over the Marlins, bringing his Grapefruit League total to five. He'll pitch once more before leaving for the World Baseball Classic, likely in relief of Harvey on Sunday. Lugo will then start Team Puerto Rico's March 10 opener against Venezuela.
"I feel like my pitches are starting to come together," said Lugo, who went 5-2 with a 2.67 ERA as a rookie last season. "I'm getting there."