Mets manager Luis Rojas gave a couple injury updates ahead of the game against the Washington Nationals on Sunday, and one of them was to a player that looked to be a top candidate to land in the bullpen on Opening Day.
Drew Smith is currently dealing with right shoulder soreness, and doesn’t have a timeline to return at the moment.
Smith hasn’t pitched since March 13, which was interesting considering he only had three innings of work this spring. But he allowed just one hit total over those innings and no runs allowed with three strikeouts.
So, despite success and a good track to make the team out of Port St. Lucie, Smith needs to rehab his shoulder before getting back on the mound. And that could hurt his chances to make the team.
Rojas also said Arodys Vizcaino has lateral right elbow soreness, which has kept him out as well.
And finally, James McCann isn’t hurt but rather getting an off day on Sunday. That’s the reason he’s not in the lineup.