Worth noting

• Right-hander Zack Wheeler will play catch this week with the aim of returning to the mound for a bullpen session Thursday. Wheeler has not pitched since straining a right oblique muscle during batting practice on Feb. 28. The Mets continue to err on the side of caution with their top pitching prospect because, in Collins' words, "he's not going to make the club anyway."

• Shaun Marcum will return to the mound in a "B" game Thursday after missing one turn of the rotation to participate in an arm-strengthening program. Marcum appeared in the Mets' first Grapefruit League game on Feb. 23, but decided afterward that he wanted to extend his long-tossing program rather than immediately appear in another game.