Description: With New York first baseman Ike Davis' latest cold streak of one hit in his last 24 at-bats, he's batting .160 for the season with four home runs and nine RBI.
Insight: Hopefully, he'll produce when the weather gets warmer as he did last season when he hit 27 of his 32 home runs from June to the end of the year. But the other option being discussed by Mets management is sending him to Triple-A Las Vegas. Fantasy owners beware.
Description: Mets starter Shaun Marcum took a step in the right direction Wednesday with his first quality start of the season. He allowed five hits and three runs (two earned) in 6 2/3 innings.
Insight: Marcum lost the game and dropped to 0-4, but his start is certainly a positive development. He allowed 24 hits and 14 earned runs over his first 14 2/3 innings this season after missing most of April with a neck strain.
Description: Mets outfielder Rick Ankiel hit his first homer with the team Wednesday as part of a 2-for-4 game against the Cardinals, the team he played for from 1999 to 2009.
Insight: Ankiel has struck out an absurd 37 times in 74 plate appearances, but he has hit six homers and three doubles and has an ISO of .300, which would rank fifth in baseball if he had enough plate appearances. He could play himself into regular at-bats with the Mets, as the team's outfield is one of the worst in all of baseball.
Description: Doctors found no structural damage in Mets prospect Zack Wheeler's clavicle area. SOURCE: NJ.com
Insight: Wheeler reported soreness around his right clavicle Monday. The right-hander is 2-1 with a 3.74 ERA and a 47/18 K/BB in 43 1/3 innings with Triple-A Las Vegas this season.
Description: Mets starter Dillon Gee gave up nine hits and six runs (five earned) in four innings Tuesday against the Cardinals.
Insight: He walked three and struck out five. The right-hander has been one of the worst starters in baseball this season, going 2-5 with a 6.13 ERA, a 1.74 WHIP and a 27/16 K/BB in 39 2/3 innings.
Description: Mets VP of player development and amateur scouting Paul DePodestall brought up two words no Matt Harvey owners wants to hear - innings limit, according to an Adam Rubin report.
Insight: Harvey has pitched so well and so deep into games this season that he's currently on a pace to throw more than 230 innings. Given that he pitched a combined 169 1/3 innings between the minors and majors last season, the Mets will likely be cautious about overworking their budding superstar if there is nothing on the line come September and October.
Description: Outfielder Rick Ankiel has been signed by the New York Mets and could start in center field on Monday night, according to ESPN's Adam Rubin.
Insight: Ankiel batted .194 in 25 games for the Astros before they gave up on him. He's hit as many as 25 home runs in a season, but fantasy owners should stay away as he's likely to be in a platoon situation ... at best.
Description: Mets third baseman David Wright left Friday night's game with a minor knee injury, but it's not enough to keep him out of the lineup on Saturday.
Insight: Wright is off to another good start, batting .299 with five homers, 23 RBI, six steals and an 20/24 K/BB in 31 games. The Mets and fantasy owners are always better with Wright in the lineup.
Description: Mets starter Shaun Marcum is 0-3 with an 8.59 ERA and a 2.05 WHIP in four starts since returning from the DL.
Insight: Marcum spent most of April on the DL with a neck strain and has been hit hard upon his return. He allowed nine hits and six runs in 4 2/3 innings against Pittsburgh in his latest outing Friday.
Description: New York first baseman Ike Davis is hitless in seven at-bats versus Pittsburgh left-hander Wandy Rodriguez.
Insight: Davis (.178, 4 HR) is off to another miserable start, particularly against lefties, so he should be avoided in Friday's matchup. Hopefully, he'll produce when the weather gets warmer as he did last season when he hit 27 of his 32 home runs from June to the end of the year.
Description: Mets left-hander Jon Niese felt "a knot" in his back after his last start, but didn't blame that for giving up seven runs over four innings Sunday in Atlanta. SOURCE: MLB.com
Insight: Niese downplayed manager Terry Collins' assertion that he has been pitching with stiffness in his lower back, and expects to make his next start Saturday against the Pirates.
Description: New York first baseman Ike Davis is not in the starting lineup Thursday against the Pirates with left-hander Jeff Locke on the hill.
Insight: Davis (.170, 4 HR) is off to a miserable start for the second straight season, and the Mets are sitting him against lefties. Davis did bat .261 with 27 homers and 68 RBI in 98 games from June 12 to the end of last season, but it's going to take a lot of patience to wait for that again.
Description: Mets starter Matt Harvey had another dominating effort Tuesday against the White Sox. The right-hander struck out 12 and walked none in nine innings of one-hit shutout baseball.
Insight: The only thing Harvey didn't do Tuesday was get a win, as the Mets didn't score a run until the bottom of the 10th. This was Harvey's second start of the season in which he threw at least seven innings and allowed just one hit and no runs while striking out 10-plus. He is 4-0 with a 1.28 ERA and has given up just 22 hits in 49 1/3 innings (58/12 K/BB).
Description: Mets third baseman David Wright has 68 career at-bats against Braves starter Tim Hudson, but he has just 15 hits (.221).
Insight: Wright is off to another good start, batting .302 with four homers, 21 RBI, six steals and an 18/19 K/BB in 27 games, including 4-for-10 with two homers in the last two. However, Hudson has often come out ahead in their matchups.
Description: Mets shortstop Ruben Tejada is batting .333 (12-for-36) over his last nine games and is 8-for-17 (.471) against Sunday's opposing starter Tim Hudson.
Insight: Tejada posted an average in the .280s in each of the last two seasons, but even with his recent hot streak is hitting just .255 this year. NL-only owners should have him in the lineup Sunday, however, with Hudson on the hill.
Description: New York first baseman Ike Davis is not in Friday's lineup with lefty Mike Minor on the hill. The first baseman is a career .211 hitter against left-handers.
Insight: Davis has batted under .200 in each of the last two Aprils, and last season he was worse in May, hitting .154. From June 12 to the end of the season, he batted .261 with 27 homers and 68 RBI in 98 games, but it's going to take a lot of patience to wait for that again.
Description: Mets third baseman David Wright is 6-for-10 with a home run and a 1.567 OPS when facing Miami left-hander Wade LeBlanc.
Insight: Wright, who didn't start Monday's game due to a stiff neck, returned for Tuesday's game but went hitless. He's batting .291 with an .892 OPS this season.
Description: New York starter Jeremy Hefner took a 1-0 lead into the bottom of the ninth inning Tuesday at Miami but the Mets surrendered two runs in the inning.
Insight: Hefner allowed a leadoff single to Chris Coghlan and was removed after a passed ball and a fielder's choice left men on first and third with nobody out. Reliever Brandon Lyon then gave up a tying single and threw a wild pitch that led to the winning run scoring. That makes two straight strong starts for Hefner, but he is still winless on the season.
Description: Mets catcher John Buck is getting Tuesday's game off after catching 15 innings Monday night.
Insight: Buck has been a major surprise with nine homers and 25 RBI in 87 at-bats. He has been in the league since 2004 and has never hit more than 20 homers or driven in more than 66 runs in any season. He also has hit under .250 in all but one season in his career.
Description: The MLB Network is reporting that Mets 3B David Wright is not in Monday's starting lineup. UPDATE: Wright is out with a stiff neck, according to Mike Puma of the New York Post.
Insight: Mets manager Terry Collins said he hopes it's only a day-to-day injury.
Description: Mets left fielder Lucas Duda is a candidate to sit on Sunday as he's just 1-for-10 with six strikeout in his matchups with Philadelphia left-hander Cole Hamels.
Insight: Duda (.262) has a couple of two-homer games and five home runs for the season, but this game isn't likely to add to that total.
Description: Mets 3B David Wright is one of the few hitters who thrives when facing Phillies left-hander Cole Hamels.
Insight: Wright is a career .327 hitter with four homers, 10 RBI and a 1.006 OPS against the left with a great changeup. Wright is 3-for-8 in the first two games of the series and batting .308 this season with a .946 OPS. He's a must start.
Description: New York starter Jeremy Hefner turned in his best outing of the season Thursday against the Dodgers.
Insight: He scattered three hits and one run over seven innings. Hefner (0-2, 5.14 ERA) certainly has potential but he still has work to do if he wants to become a household name.
Description: Mets left fielder Lucas Duda has been moved up to the cleanup spot in the batting order.
Insight: Duda bumps Ike Davis down to sixth. Davis is batting .169 with three homers and 22 strikeouts this season, while Duda is hitting.275 with five homers and an 18/17 K/BB.
Description: Mets left-hander Jon Niese (leg) plans to throw his normal between-starts bullpen session Thursday. SOURCE: ESPNNY.com
Insight: Niese was forced from Tuesday's game after being struck in the right ankle by a comebacker, but he didn't want to disrupt his usual routine. He's expected to start Sunday against the Phillies. Niese's declining fastball velocity is a much larger concern at this time. He's averaging 89.2 mph after throwing 90.5 mph over the last two seasons, and has struck out just 4.85 batters per nine innings while walking 4.15 batters per nine. He has a career K/9 of 7.42 and a BB/9 of 2.82.
Description: Mets left-hander Jon Niese, who left Tuesday's start in the third inning after getting hit in the right leg by a grounder off the bat of Mark Ellis, is expected to be available for his next scheduled start.
Insight: Niese is 2-1 with a 3.81 ERA and 1.577 WHIP. He'll have to drastically improve on his WHIP if he wants to stay on fantasy rosters.
Description: Cubs outfielder Marlon Byrd is 8-for-17 against Dodgers left-hander Ted Lilly with eight RBI and a 1.176 OPS.
Insight: Byrd was brutal last season for the Cubs and Red Sox (.210, 1 HR, 9 RBI), and at best is a mediocre option, but this matchup might be worth taking a shot.
Description: Mets left-hander Jon Niese left Tuesday's start in the third inning after getting hit in the right leg by a grounder off the bat of Mark Ellis. However, X-rays came back negative, according to Kevin Burkhardt of SNY.
Insight: Niese completed 2 1/3 innings and allowed six baserunners and one run. He has a 3.81 ERA and 1.58 WHIP this season.
Description: Mets starter Shaun Marcum (neck) will make his debut with the team Saturday. SOURCE: Anthony DiComo, MLB.com
Insight: Marcum has been rehabbing from a neck strain since spring training. The right-hander has posted an ERA under four in each of the last four seasons and will be a solid fantasy option while he's healthy.
Description: Most hitters wouldn't be excited about seeing Dodgers' ace Clayton Kershaw on the hill, but Cubs outfielder Marlon Byrd is 6-for-9 in their career matchups.
Insight: Byrd was brutal last season for the Cubs and Red Sox (.210, 1 HR, 9 RBI) and at best is a mediocre option, but this matchup might be worth a flier.
Description: Mets starter Dillon Gee recorded his first win of the year Sunday against the Nationals.
Insight: Gee walked three, struck out six and gave up three hits in 5 2/3 scoreless innings. The right-hander had allowed 25 H+BB, four homers and 13 earned runs in his first three starts (14 IP).
Description: Mets second baseman Daniel Murphy is batting .355 with two homers, 12 RBIs and 17 runs in 16 games this season, and he'll meet Nationals starter Jordan Zimmermann Sunday. Murphy is 7-for-21 (.333) with two doubles and a homer against Zimmermann.
Insight: Murphy has been batting second, which has allowed him to score plenty of runs to start the season. He's a career .294 hitter and is best used at second base, though he's also eligible at first.
Description: New York first baseman Ike Davis launched two homers Friday in a win over Washington and has another favorable matchup on Saturday against Washington ace Gio Gonzalez.
Insight: Four of the six RBI Davis has produced this season have come over the last two games. Friday was the sixth multi-homer game of Davis' career and he's 4-for-10 against Gonzalez with a 1.255 OPS. Start him.
Description: Mets starter Matt Harvey outdueled Stephen Strasburg Friday in a battle of righthanded aces.
Insight: Harvey (4-0, 0.93 ERA) let in just one run over seven innings with seven strikeouts and three walks. Miraculously, he managed to pitch his way out of a no out bases loaded jam in his final inning of work. By recording the win, Harvey became the first pitcher in the major leagues to reach four wins. His next start will be on Wednesday against Los Angeles.
Description: Mets second baseman Daniel Murphy is batting .352 with 15 runs through 14 games.
Insight: Murphy has been batting second, and David Wright and John Buck have been driving him in frequently. The infielder is a career .294 hitter and is a solid fantasy option at second base in 12-team leagues.
Description: According to Marc Carig of Newsday, Mets starter Shaun Marcum (neck) threw 41 pitches in an extended spring training game Thursday and didn't allow a hit or walk in four innings.
Insight: Marcum needs to get that pitch count up before he can return to action, but this is a good step forward.
Description: New York outfielder Lucas Duda wasn't in the lineup Thursday against the Rockies. SOURCE: Adam Rubin, ESPN
Insight: Apparently Duda's back has been acting up. This doesn't look like a DL situation but it's possible he could be sidelined for the next couple of days.
Description: Mets 3B David Wright is just 2-for-15 (.133) against Colorado hurler Jon Garland.
Insight: Wright homered twice in the first game of Tuesday's doubleheader with the Rockies - his first two long balls of the season. He had been on fire in the WBC before a rib injury slowed down his spring training. We expect him to get back to that level soon, but probably not in Wednesday's unfavorable matchup.
Description: Mets 3B David Wright went 3-for-4 with two homers and three RBIs against Colorado during the team's first game of a doubleheader on Tuesday.
Insight: They were Wright's first home runs this season, but he has a .333 average and 12 RBIs in 12 games.
Description: Mets third baseman David Wright "owns" Colorado's game No. 2 pitcher Jeff Francis, batting .462 (6-for-13) against the left-hander with three home runs and a 1.765 OPS.
Insight: Wright was extremely hot during the WBC this spring, then suffered an injury and has started the season decently (.293, 9 RBI, 3 SB), though he's yet to hit a home run. The matchup in the nightcap should get him going.
Description: According to Marc Carig of Newsday and Adam Rubin of ESPN New York, "there's a chance" Mets starter Shaun Marcum (neck) will be ready to pitch next Sunday.
Insight: Marcum needs to get through a "regular-type" start on Tuesday before he can be cleared, according to Rubin, which means around five innings Tuesday in a simulated game. He could be ready to go next Sunday without needing a rehab start.
Description: Scratch that. Don't start any Twins or Mets on Sunday. Their afternoon game at Citi Field has been rained out.
Insight: The two teams will get together for a makeup date on August 19th. It's a shame for David Wright owners who were expecting the third baseman to go bonkers against Minnesota righthander Kevin Correia.
Description: Mets second baseman Daniel Murphy carries a .400 lifetime average versus Twins righthander Kevin Correia.
Insight: The two are set to face off Sunday afternoon at Citi Field. Murphy (.381, 2 HR, 11 RBI) is off to a hot start and it's doubtful Correia will be able to slow him down.
Description: New York third baseman David Wright has destroyed Twins starter Kevin Correia throughout his career.
Insight: He's hitting .765 in 17 lifetime at bats against the former Pirates righthander. Three of his 13 hits against Correia have gone for home runs. Make sure Wright is in your lineup on Sunday.
Description: Baseball is just too easy for Matt Harvey right now. The 24-year-old Mets ace owned the Twins in eight innings of work Saturday night at Target Field.
Insight: He's now 3-0 with a 0.82 ERA in three appearances. Saturday was arguably his worst start of the year and he still only gave up two hits. Forget the All-Star Game. This guy's pitching like a Cy Young winner right now.
Description: If you are holding onto Mets' stud pitching prospect Zack Wheeler in hopes of an early-season call up, his first two starts at Las Vegas aren't going to make you happy.
Insight: Wheeler dealt with a mild oblique strain which may have him a little behind at the moment and could explain his first two starts. He yielded 11 hits and six walks over 8 2/3 innings pitched. Wheeler was solid last season with a 12-8 record a 3.26 ERA and 148 strikeouts in 149 innings and should eventually join Matt Harvey has the core of the Mets pitching staff.
Description: New York Mets first baseman Ike Davis has managed just one hit in nine at-bats over his career against Minnesota starter Vance Worley.
Insight: He's off to a slow start this season batting just .129 through the first eight games and should be avoided if he's in the Mets lineup. Davis came on strong at the end of 2012 and quietly posted very good power numbers with 32 HR and 90 RBI, so it's certainly way too early to panic.
Description: New York Mets second baseman Daniel Murphy is a stunning 10-for-15 against Minnesota right-hander Vance Worley.
Insight: Murphy is off to an excellent start this season, batting .303 with a pair of homers and a .997 OPS. Hot hitter plus favorable matchup equals must start.
Description: Mets left fielder Lucas Duda cranked two homers Wednesday in a win versus Philadelphia.
Insight: Duda strikes out a lot (eight times in 26 at bats this season) but when he makes contact, you know that ball is going for a ride. His .308 average won't last but Duda's power will. Expect him to reach 30 homers for the second straight season.
Description: Mets catcher John Buck is hitless in seven at-bats against Phillies right-hander Kyle Kendrick.
Insight: Buck has never hit more than 20 homers or batted higher than .281 (career batting average of .237) in any of his nine seasons in the majors, so this early production (.393, 4 HR, league-leading 14 RBI) is certainly abnormal. Wednesday's matchup is unfavorable.
Description: Mets catcher John Buck went deep again Tuesday, giving him four homers on the year.
Insight: We don't expect Buck to hit better than .240 or more than 20 homers, but he certainly has fantasy value as the Mets' cleanup hitter. He has 14 RBIs in eight games.
Description: New York first baseman Ike Davis has an unfavorable matchup versus Phillies lefty Cliff Lee. He's managed just one hit in 11 at-bats over his career, including four strikeouts.
Insight: Davis came on strong at the end of 2012 and quietly posted very good power numbers with 32 HR and 90 RBI. He's off to a slow start this season batting just .148 through the first seven games and should be avoided if he's in the Mets lineup, though he'll more than likely get the night off.
Description: New York righthander Matt Harvey pitched like a Cy Young winner Monday versus the Phillies (7 IP, 3 H, 1 ER, 2 BB, 9 Ks).
Insight: Opponents are hitting a pitiful .091 against Harvey in 2013. Only Yu Darvish (20) and Jeff Samardzija (23) have recorded more strikeouts than Harvey this season (19).
Description: Mets third baseman David Wright probably isn't excited about facing Phillies starter Roy Halladay as he's a career .167 hitter (.4-for-24) with 12 strikeouts and no homers.
Insight: Wright is coming off a fine season (.306, 91 runs, 21 HR, 93 RBI, 15 SB) and was pounding the ball in the WBC before a rib injury. He's batting .300 through the first six games, but without much power (.812 OPS).
Description: According to Mets.com, Mets manager Terry Collins estimated that a best-case scenario is that Shaun Marcum (neck) will return in mid- to late-April.
Insight: Marcum hasn't throw a bullpen session in more than two weeks, so he'll need time to build up his arm, but he'll have to wait for the nerve inflammation in his neck to subside before he starts that process. We're guessing that mid-April is highly unlikely.
Description: Mets catcher John Buck was 1-for-2 with a two-run double and two sacrifice flys Saturday against Miami.
Insight: Buck has a hit in all five games and two homers and nine RBIs on the season. He has a .236 average and .304 OBP in his career but he does have 15-homer pop and moved up to fifth in the lineup Saturday.
Description: New York first baseman Ike Davis has an unfavorable matchup on Saturday against Ricky Nolasco. In 20 at-bats, he's batting just .150 with eight strikeouts.
Insight: Davis came on strong at the end of 2012 and quietly posted very good power numbers with 32 HR and 90 RBI. he's off to a slow start with just one hit in 16 at-bats this season and should be avoided on Saturday.
Description: Mets third baseman David Wright loves hitting against Miami starter Ricky Nolasco with a .397 batting average (25-for-63), six homers and a 1.202 OPS.
Insight: Wright is coming off a fine season (.306, 91 runs, 21 HR, 93 RBI, 15 SB) and was pounding the ball in the WBC before an injury, but has started the season slowly going just 3-for-14 without a home run in the first four games of the season.
Description: Mets starter Dillon Gee allowed one run on three hits and three walks while striking out five Padres Thursday afternoon but a was on the wrong end of a 2-1 decision.
Insight: Gee's 2012 season was cut short in July by a blood clot. He finished with a 4.10 ERA but posted a 3.11 ERA and 60/20 K/BB in his final 66 2/3 innings of the season.
Description: Mets starter Shaun Marcum has been diagnosed with nerve inflammation in his neck. SOURCE: Marc Carig, Newsday
Insight: Marcum was recently placed on the DL with an injured shoulder/neck. He's a lock to produce a sub-four ERA if he can stay healthy, but he hasn't been able to do that in the last few seasons. He'll rest for 48 hours after having injections in his neck Thursday.
Description: Mets catcher John Buck went 2-for-4 with a homer and three RBIs Wednesday against the Padres.
Insight: Buck has started off 4-for-8 with four RBIs in two games. He .227 in 2011 and .192 last season so fantasy owners shouldn't expect much in the average department, but the veteran has some power and will play every day for the Mets.
Description: Mets starter Shaun Marcum was unable to pitch a simulated game Tuesday due to neck pain and will remain on the DL through Sunday, according to Adam Rubin of ESPN New York.
Insight: Marcum was recently placed on the DL with an injured shoulder/neck. He's a lock to produce a sub-four ERA if he can stay healthy, but he hasn't been able to do that in the last few seasons. Aaron Laffey is likely to start Sunday, but Collin McHugh is also an option.
Description: Mets center fielder Collin Cowgill smacked a grand slam Monday in a season-opening win over Colorado.
Insight: Cowgill also had a double in the fouth inning. The home run was just the third of Cowgill's major league career. He's only appeared in 75 major league games so the jury is still out on what kind of fantasy potential Cowgill holds.
Description: New York lefthander Johan Santana will have season-ending shoulder surgery on Tuesday. SOURCE: Adam Rubin, ESPN
Insight: Another tough break for the former Cy Young winner. Jon Niese (13-9, 3.40 ERA in 2012) will have to be the Mets' ace now that Santana is done for the year.
Description: Mets third baseman David Wright (intercostal strain) is expected to play in Friday's Grapefruit League game after playing the last few days in minor league games.
Insight: This should confirm that he'll be ready for Opening Day. Wright is coming off a fine season (.306, 91 runs, 21 HR, 93 RBI, 15 SB) and was pounding the ball in the WBC before the injury.
Description: ESPN's Adam Rubin is reporting that a recent MRI on Mets starter Johan Santana's injured shoulder revealed some troubling results. It appears that Santana has re-torn the anterior capsule in his left shoulder and is likely headed for surgery.
Insight: Surgery would knock Santana out for the rest of the year. The veteran's career has taken a downward spiral since joining the Mets in 2008.
Description: According to Adam Rubin of ESPNNewYork.com, the Mets are going to try to get Shaun Marcum (neck) ready for the season without placing him on the disabled list.
Insight: Marcum has been dealing with discomfort in his neck and shoulder area but he doesn't have any structural damage. He'll throw 75 pitches in a minor league game at some point and try to start the fifth or sixth game of the season.
Description: Mets manager Terry Collins confirmed Tuesday that Shaun Marcum's neck discomfort will be treated with anti-inflammatories, according to Adam Rubin of ESPNNewYork.com.
Insight: Marcum doesn't have an structural damage in his shoulder or neck but he is unlikely to start the season with the team. He just hasn't had enough work this spring to avoid the DL.
Description: Mets third baseman David Wright (intercostal strain) was the DH in a minor league game on Tuesday.
Insight: He finished the game without incident going 1-for-5. Wright is coming off a fine season (.306, 91 runs, 21 HR, 93 RBI, 15 SB) and was pounding the ball in the WBC before the injury. This was an important step toward his availability on Opening Day.
Description: Mets manager Terry Collins said that Johan Santana "may take six weeks to get where he wants to be" in his arm-strengthening process. SOURCE: NJ.com
Insight: Santana, 34, has been working to build up his shoulder strength this spring but it is taking him an awfully long time. He is still a few steps away from throwing off a mound.
Description: Mets third baseman David Wright (intercostal strain) was "letting it fly" in batting practice Sunday morning, and Anthony DiComo of MLB.com says that Wright appears to be on track for Opening Day.
Insight: Wright is coming off a fine season (.306, 91 runs, 21 HR, 93 RBI, 15 SB) and was pounding the ball in the WBC before the injury. He has expressed optimism about being ready for the season opener.
Description: New York Mets second baseman Daniel Murphy (intercostal strain) has been cleared to play in a minor league game, according to Adam Rubin of ESPNNewYork.com.
Insight: Murphy suffered a setback in a minor league game last week. Mets manager Terry Collins said that Murphy would need to play in a game by this weekend to be ready for Opening Day, according to Jorge Castillo of the Star-Ledger. He's still not guaranteed to avoid the DL, however.
Description: Mets GM Sandy Alderson said that the cortisone shot Shaun Marcum had in his right shoulder Wednesday was "largely precautionary" and he doesn't expect the righty to end up on the DL at this point, according to Mike Puma of the New York Post.
Insight: Marcum has a right shoulder impingement and appeared to be in doubt for Opening Day but Alderson has erased any of those concerns for now. We'll see how Marcum responds to the shot.
Description: New York starter Shaun Marcum has a right shoulder impingement and had a cortisone shot Wednesday, according to Adam Rubin of ESPNNewYork.com.
Insight: This puts Marcum in doubt for Opening Day. Marcum has dealt with a shoulder issue in each of the last two springs. Aaron Laffey would replace Marcum in the rotation if he can't make his first start.
Description: Mets third baseman David Wright told manager Terry Collins that he would be ready for the season opener, according to Mike Puma of the New York Post.
Insight: We're not so sure and fantasy owners who draft him should probably plan on him missing the first few games, but that shouldn't change his season-long fantasy value. Wright is coming off a fine season (.306, 91 runs, 21 HR, 93 RBI, 15 SB) and was pounding the ball in the WBC before the injury.
Description: Mets shortstop Justin Turner injured his ankle Saturday in an exhibition loss to Miami.
Insight: Turner hit a single in his only at bat of the afternoon. X-ray results should give us a clearer picture of what Turner (.269, 2 HR, 19 RBI in 94 games last season) is dealing with. For now, the Mets are calling Turner's injury a right ankle sprain and listing him as day-to-day.
Description: Mets third baseman David Wright, who was scratched from Thursday night's game against the Dominican Republic, has been diagnosed with a moderate intercostal strain and is unlikely to be ready for Opening Day, according to Andy Martino of the New York Daily News.
Insight: Team U.S.A. will bring in Chase Headley to take Wright's spot if the team advances to the championship round. Wright was having a huge WBC and hopefully this injury won't interupt a fast start to the "real" season.
Description: Mets third baseman David Wright was scratched from Thursday night's game against the Dominican Republic because of a back injury.
Insight: The U.S. kept Wright out simply as a precaution. Wright will travel to Port St. Lucie Friday morning to get checked out by team doctors and if all goes well, he should be able to participate in America's next game, either Friday night against Puerto Rico or at the championship in San Francisco later this weekend.
Description: New York first baseman Ike Davis is batting .400 this spring.
Insight: It has come in just 25 at-bats, but after the spring Davis had in 2012 -- he hit .237 and had an ankle injury and debilitating illness that weakened him going into the season -- we'll take it.
Description: Even Frank Francisco (elbow) is ready to anoint Bobby Parnell the closer. After throwing off a bullpen mound for the second time Wednesday, he motioned to Parnell's locker and said "he is the closer." SOURCE: New York Post
Insight: Parnell had a solid season in 2012 (5-4, 2.49 ERA) and even had an opportunity to close a few games last year. Meanwhile, Francisco had a 5.53 ERA in 42 1/3 innings and is no lock to be ready for Opening Day. He's not ready to appear in spring training games yet.
Description: The Mets expect Johan Santana to start the season on the disabled list, according to the New York Daily News.
Insight: Santana has been working to build up his shoulder this spring and while he is progressing he isn't expected to be ready until mid-April. Jon Niese is expected to start on Opening Day.
Description: New York center fielder Kirk Nieuwenhuis exited Sunday's exhibition against the Marlins because of a bruised left knee.
Insight: For now, Nieuwenhuis is projected to open the season as the Mets' everyday center fielder. There's nothing too special about Nieuwenhuis' skill set (.252, 7 HR, 28 RBI in 91 games last season). We wouldn't waste a draft pick on him.
Description: New York starter Shaun Marcum is set to pitch Tuesday against the Marlins. He's been taking time off to strengthen his shoulder. SOURCE: Mets.com
Insight: Marcum isn't the flashiest starting pitcher you'll encounter on draft day but he is one of the most consistent. Marcum has compiled an ERA lower than 3.8 in each of his last four seasons and has only had a losing record once since making his debut in 2005.
Description: Mets lefty Johan Santana threw from 120 feet Friday as he continues to build up his shoulder.
Insight: Santana will progress to 150 and 180 feet before stepping back on the mound in 5-7 days, according to Joel Sherman of the New York Post. His status for Opening Day is in jeopardy.
Description: Mets manager Terry Collins indicated on WFAN that Jon Niese is the first choice to replace Johan Santana as the Opening Day starter if Santana's shoulder isn't ready.
Insight: Niese had a career year in 2012 with a 13-9 record and a 3.40 ERA. His numbers look even better if you remove his worst start of the season, a three-inning, eight-run bombing at the hands of Toronto on May 18. His ERA in his other 29 starts was 3.07, which would have ranked ninth in the National League.
Description: Mets pitching prospect Zack Wheeler (oblique) won't resume throwing for at least a week, according to Mike Puma of the New York Post, but his oblique strain is not as bad as initially feared.
Insight: Wheeler is expected to start the season in Triple-A so a mild oblique strain won't come into play in fantasy leagues. He could join the big league rotation in midseason but the Mets have been reluctant to rush him despite posting a 3.26 ERA and 148 strikeouts in 149 innings in the minors last season.
Description: Mets right-hander Shaun Marcum is taking time off to strengthen his shoulder, according to the Mets' official website.
Insight: Marcum will concentrate on a long-toss program after dealing with shoulder problems last spring. He will return to the Grapefruit League rotation sometime in mid-March.
Description: Mets manager Terry Collins said starter Johan Santana is "making strides" in his flat ground work, according to ESPN New York. The lefty is trying to build up his shoulder in time for the season opener.
Insight: The Mets have previously announced that Santana will start Opening Day, but you always have to worry about his health. The lefty had a 6-4 record and 2.76 ERA after June last season but went 0-5 with a 15.63 ERA in his final five starts of the season before being shut down in late August due to a back injury.
Description: Mets starter Johan Santana is having his 2013 debut pushed back until the week of March 10.
Insight: The Mets have previously announced that Santana will start Opening Day, but you always have to worry about his health and this isn't a good start. The lefty had a 6-4 record and 2.76 ERA after June last season but went 0-5 with a 15.63 ERA in his final five starts of the season before being shut down in late August due to a back injury. Like every season, fantasy owners should approach Santana with caution.
Description: New York Mets second baseman Daniel Murphy will miss about a week with an intercostal muscle injury, according to ESPN's Adam Rubin.
Insight: Murphy put up low-end roster fantasy value numbers last season, batting .291 with 62 runs, 6 HR, 65 RBI, 10 SB with a .735 OPS. He showed double-digit home run power back in 2009 and could yet develop into a viable fantasy starter.
Description: Mets starter Johan Santana will not pitch for Venezuela in the World Baseball Classic. SOURCE: Jon Heyman, CBSSports.com
Insight: The Mets also announced that Santana will start Opening Day. The lefty had a 6-4 record and 2.76 ERA after June last season but went 0-5 with a 15.63 ERA in his final five starts of the season before being shut down in late August due to a back injury. Like last season, fantasy owners should approach Santana with caution.
Description: New York Mets manager Terry Collins told WFAN he wants reliever Bobby Parnell to be the team's closer.
Insight: Parnell had a solid season in 2012 (5-4, 2.49 ERA) and even had an opportunity to close a few games last year. With Frank Francisco currently shut down with an elbow problem, Parnell has a good chance to grab the closer role and keep it with a good sprin and early season effort.
Description: Former Brewers starter Shaun Marcum has agreed to a one-year deal with the New York Mets.
Insight: Marcum has been one of the unsung heroes of fantasy over the last few seasons. He's had an ERA lower than four in each of his last four seasons and hasn't had a losing record in a season since 2006. Citi Field is generally regarded as one of the more pitcher-friendly venues in MLB so Marcum should be a force again in 2013.
Description: Thursday the Mets came to an agreement with reliever Bobby Parnell on a new one-year, $1.7 million deal.
Insight: By doing so, the two sides were able to avoid arbitration. Parnell had a solid season in 2012 (5-4, 2.49 ERA) and even had an opportunity to close a few games. He'll likely open the season as a setup man to closer Frank Francisco (5.53, 23 saves).
Description: Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports reports the Blue Jays and Mets have agreed to a trade that would send R.A. Dickey to Toronto. The Blue Jays have been given a 72-hour negotiating window to try and sign Dickey to an extension with the window closing at 2 pm Tuesday afternoon.
Insight: The deal should be official soon. Catcher Josh Thole will join Dickey in Toronto while the Mets are expected to receive catchers John Buck and Travis d'Arnaud as well as starting pitcher Noah Syndergaard.
Description: Toronto's trade for New York righthander R.A. Dickey is almost complete according to Yahoo's Jeff Passan.
Insight: The Mets will likely receive prospects as compensation. Dickey and the Mets weren't making any progress on a new contract extension, so this is probably for the best. Dickey is 2-2 with a 6.55 ERA in five lifetime appearances at the Rogers Center.
Description: The Blue Jays are reportedly in the running to acquire starter R.A. Dickey from the Mets. While there is no agreement yet, the two sides have made progress. SOURCE: Jon Morosi, FOX Sports
Insight: Dickey is the reigning NL Cy Young Award winner but the Mets aren't willing to give in to the 38-year-old's contract demands. New York is in the hunt for a catcher and Toronto is particularly deep at that position.
Description: With little progress being made on a trade or any contract extension, Newsday's Marc Craig gets the feeling righthander R.A. Dickey will play out the rest of his contract and return to the Mets next season.
Insight: New York's asking price for Dickey in a trade seems to be extremely high, so it's no surprise that little traction has been made on that front. The Mets have been hesitant to give Dickey the two-year, $30 million contract he desires because of his age (he just turned 38) but he's also coming off a Cy Young Award and history tells us that knuckleballers have a much longer shelf life than typical starting pitchers. Perhaps the Mets will come to their senses and ink Dickey long-term later this offseason.
Description: According to ESPN's Baseball Tonight, R.A. Dickey's agent believes the knuckleballer will be dealt during the offseason.
Insight: Nothing is imminent but the Red Sox and Royals have both been discussed in possible trade scenarios for the 2012 NL Cy Young winner. The Mets and Dickey remain about $10 million apart in contract negotiations.
Description: TR Sullivan from MLB.com reports that the Rangers are looking to make a trade for Mets starter R.A. Dickey.
Insight: Dickey played in Texas from 2001 to 2006 so he's already familiar with the organization. The 2012 NL Cy Young winner has been in discussions with the Mets about a contract extension though little headway has been made up to this point.
Description: The Mets are waiting to hear a response from David Wright after offering the third baseman an eight-year, $140 million contract extension.
Insight: That's a pretty generous deal and probably a bit more than the Mets had originally wanted to spend on their franchise third baseman. If Wright declines, he'll hit the open market as a free agent after the 2013 season.
Description: Mike Puma from the New York Post believes there's a 50-50 chance the Mets will be able to lock third baseman David Wright into a long-term contract extension later this offseason.
Insight: Wright is supposedly seeking a deal in the neighborhood of seven years and $125 million. If the two sides can't come to an agreement, Wright will hit the open market as a free agent after the 2013 season.
Description: ESPN's Buster Olney has been told that Mets righhander R.A. Dickey is seeking a two-year extension worth more than $20 million.
Insight: That might be a little out of New York's price range. Dickey is hoping to stay with the Mets but if the two sides can't work out an agreement, he could get traded this offseason.
Description: Mets righthander R.A. Dickey has won the 2012 National League Cy Young Award.
Insight: Dickey, the first knuckleballer to win the award and the first Met to win it since Dwight Gooden in 1985, led the NL in strikeouts and was second in wins behind Washington's Gio Gonzalez. Clayton Kershaw of the Dodgers finished second in the voting after winning the award in 2011.
Description: The Mets have exercised starting pitcher R.A. Dickey's team option for next season.
Insight: Dickey had a Cy Young caliber year for New York in 2012, finishing the year with a career-high 20 wins and 230 strikeouts. The Mets have expressed interest in giving Dickey a long-term deal though at age 38, it's uncertain how many years they'd be able to give him.
Description: New York picked up third baseman David Wright's option for next season.
Insight: The Mets are hoping to lock up Wright with a long-term deal later this offseason. The six-time All Star hit .306 with 21 HR and 93 RBI in 2012.
Description: The New York Daily News reports that the Mets could begin discussing terms of a new contract with third baseman David Wright as soon as next week.
Insight: Jon Heyman of CBS Sports reported earlier in the week that New York is expected to offer Wright an extension worth close to $100 million. Wright, who hit .306 this season with 21 HR and 93 RBI, is scheduled to become a free agent after the 2013 season.
Description: New York knuckleballer R.A. Dickey led the National League in strikeouts during the 2012 season.
Insight: His 230 K's in 233 2/3 innings pitched is a new career high. Dickey's previous career best was 134 strikeouts set last season in 208 2/3 innings of work. Dickey and Washington's Gio Gonzalez (21-8, 2.89 ERA) are the two favorites for the National League Cy Young Award. The winner will be announced in November.
Description: Mets starter Jonathon Niese's final start of the season Friday resulted in his 13th win. Niese beat Atlanta with seven strong innings, dropping his ERA to 3.40 by allowing one run on four hits with three walks and three strikeouts.
Insight: Niese's start Friday was his 22nd quality effort in 30 turns this season. He lowered his ERA by a full run and his WHIP by 0.23 from last season.
Description: The Mets will utilize Bobby Parnell in the closer role for the final week of the season, according to Adam Rubin of ESPNNewYork.com.
Insight: Frank Francisco (elbow) hasn't been ruled out for the season yet but it's unlikely he returns. Parnell has a 2.64 ERA in 64 2/3 innings this season.
Description: Mets ace R.A. Dickey reached 20 wins for the first time in his career Thursday with 7 2/3 strong innings against the Pirates. Dickey allowed three runs on eight hits, walked two and struck out 13.
Insight: With the win, Dickey (20-6, 2.69 ERA) ties Gio Gonzalez for the major league lead. He has struck out 222 batters with just 54 walks in 227 2/3 innings this season.
Description: Mets starter Jeremy Hefner turned in a strong effort Wednesday against the Pirates, striking out seven and allowing just three hits in seven scoreless innings of work.
Insight: It was a nice outing but remember, this is the same pitcher who gave up seven runs without getting an out last week versus the Phillies. Hefner (3-7, 5.32 ERA) hasn't shown us nearly enough consistency this season to be considered a realistic fantasy option.
Description: New York shortstop Ruben Tejada had a big night Wednesday against Pittsburgh, collecting four hits and two RBI in five at bats.
Insight: Tejada has maintained a solid batting average all year (.296) but usually doesn't show much power. That trend continued Wednesday night at Citi Field: all four of his hits were singles.
Description: New York first baseman Ike Davis was able to reach 30 homers for the season by smacking a pair of bombs Monday in a win over Pittsburgh.
Insight: Davis has really turned it on in the second half with 18 homers in 222 at bats. He falls into the Adam Dunn category of boom or bust, but 30 homers still has value, even if it comes with a .227 batting average and 134 strikeouts.
Description: Mets first baseman Ike Davis is just 3-for-17 (.176) with one RBI and six strikeouts against Marlins starter Ricky Nolasco.
Insight: Davis has done a nice job turning around his season after two abysmal months at the start. The first baseman is hitting .268 with 23 homers, 67 RBIs and a .902 OPS in his last 89 games, but Sunday is a good day to sit him.
Description: Mets third baseman David Wright should rake Sunday against the Marlins. He's 24-for-60 (.400) with five homers and 15 RBIs against Miami righty Ricky Nolasco.
Insight: Wright is only hitting .247 since the All-Star break but Sunday's matchup with Nolasco should give him a good chance to look like the hitter he was in the first half on Sunday.
Description: Mets ace R.A. Dickey took a shutout into the ninth inning Saturday against the Marlins and though he was eventually charged with two runs he still was able to win his 19th game of the season.
Insight: Dickey (19-6, 2.66 ERA) was pulled after walking a batter and allowing a double in the ninth and Jon Rauch allowed a three-run shot. Still, fantasy owners will take Dickey's final line -- 8 IP, 6 H, 2 ER, 2 BB, 4 K. The knuckleballer has two starts left to get the one win he needs for 20.
Description: Mets starter Jonathon Niese has thrown seven straight quality starts, including a 6 1/3-inning, seven-hit, three-run effort Friday against the Marlins.
Insight: Niese has been excellent this season, going 12-9 with a 3.49 ERA, 1.18 and a 152/46 K/BB in 183 1/3 innings. The lefty has been quality in 21 of 29 starts.
Description: Mets third baseman David Wright is a career .327 hitter (16-for-49) against Phillies ace Cole Hamels with three homers and a .965 OPS.
Insight: Wright has been a complete different hitter after the All-Star break. He batted .351 with 11 HR and 59 RBI in the first half and .256 with 6 HR and 22 RBI in 60 second-half games. Wednesday could be a rare second-half productive day.
Description: Mets outfielder Scott Hairston is the rare hitter who has success against Phillies lefty Cole Hamels. In 28 career at-bats, Hairston owns a .393 batting average with five homers and a 1.505 OPS.
Insight: Hairston is hitless in his last three games (0-for-9), but his season-long numbers (.260, 17 HR, 48 RBI) are solid for just 323 at-bats. If he's in the lineup against Hamels, he's a must start.
Description: Mets first baseman Ike Davis is 1-for-11 (.091) in his career against Phillies lefty Cliff Lee.
Insight: Davis has a career-best 27 HR and 81 RBI, but a career-low .223 batting average. It's all or nothing for the Mets first baseman and on Monday it's probably the latter.
Description: Mets rookie Matt Harvey fanned 10 batters Wednesday for the first time since his first career start back in July. However, he took his fifth loss despite allowing just one run on five hits in five innings.
Insight: Harvey has quietly been very good for New York, going 3-5 with a 2.92 ERA and a 63/23 K/BB in 52 1/3 innings this season. The rookie will be an interesting target in the middle rounds of fantasy drafts next spring.
Description: Starting Mets third baseman David Wright Sunday will do your fantasy team more harm than good. He's only a .160 lifetime hitter against Atlanta starter Tommy Hanson.
Insight: Wright had been a productive 5-for-12 over his last three outings but we still don't think that will translate into a strong effort Sunday versus Hanson (12-8, 4.40 ERA).
Description: You would be wise to slot New York second baseman Daniel Murphy into your starting lineup on Sunday. He's hitting a terrific .429 for his career against Braves righthander Tommy Hanson.
Insight: Murphy (.287, 5 HR, 55 RBI) had his nine-game hitting streak snapped on Saturday but we're confident he'll be able to start a new streak on Sunday.
Description: The presence of Braves starter Kris Medlen should make David Wright owners consider sitting the third baseman Saturday.
Insight: Medlen is 6-0 with a 0.54 ERA and a 50/5 K/BB in 49 2/3 innings over seven starts since joining the rotation at the end of July and he hasn't allowed an earned run in his last 33 innings. He's held Wright to one hit in 13 at-bats in his career.
Description: New York outfielder Jason Bay crushed a grand slam Sunday versus the Marlins.
Insight: This was Bay's first homer since August 16th. He's having a very disappointing year (.160, 7 HR, 18 RBI) and rarely starts for the Mets anymore. Don't be fooled into adding Bay in fantasy despite his excellent performance on Sunday.
Description: Mets catcher Kelly Shoppach has been fantastic in his short stint with the team, batting .346 with two homers and seven RBIs.
Insight: Shoppach has also owned Marlins starter Mark Buehrle in 18 at-bats, picking up eight hits and four homers. NL-only and deeper league owners should get Shoppach in the lineup Sunday.
Description: Mets second baseman Daniel Murphy has never had much luck against Phillies starter Kyle Kendrick. In 11 career at bats against him, Murphy has collected only two hits.
Insight: If history repeats itself, Murphy (.285, 4 HR, 53 RBI) should be in for a rough afternoon at Citizens Bank Park.
Description: Mets outfielder Scott Hairston is the rare hitter who has success against Phillies lefty Cole Hamels. In 28 career at-bats, Hairston owns a .393 batting average with five homers and a 1.505 OPS.
Insight: Hairston has been solid this season in limited action, with 14 HR, 45 RBI and a .821 OPS in just 285 at-bats.
Description: Mets first baseman Ike Davis blasted two solo homers Sunday against Houston, the second of which was a walk-off shot in the bottom of the ninth.
Insight: Davis has 12 homers in 41 games in the second half after hitting the same amount in 81 first-half games.
Description: New York righthander Collin McHugh enjoyed a very successful major league debut Thursday against the Rockies. In seven innings of work, McHugh allowed just two hits and a walk while recording nine strikeouts.
Insight: It was another brilliant outing wasted by a lack of run support as the Mets eventually gave up a run in the eighth and lost by a score of 1-0. The nine strikeouts were the second-most ever by a Mets pitcher in his major league debut. Matt Harvey, who made his New York debut earlier in the season, holds the team record with 11 punchouts in his first start.
Description: The Mets have decided to shut down starter Johan Santana for the season due to lower back inflammation, according to Adam Rubin of ESPN New York.
Insight: Santana was placed on the 15-day disabled list Wednesday. An MRI revealed no structural damage but the team is well out of the race and doesn't need to risk Santana's health. The lefty lost his last five starts and saw his ERA increase from 2.76 to 4.85 in that span.
Description: Mets third baseman David Wright is hitting .500 in 12 at-bats versus Rockies left-hander Jeff Francis with three homers and a 1.850 OPS.
Insight: Wright batted .351 before the All-Star break with a 1.004 OPS, but since then is batting just .252 with a .776 OPS. Despite the drop in production, he's a must start on Wednesday.
Description: New York left fielder Jason Bay is no longer an everyday outfielder for the Mets, but he should be in there against Colorado starter Jeff Francis. He's faced the Rockies lefty 12 times and has pounded out eight hits (.667) including a pair of homers.
Insight: Bay (.151, 6 HR, 13 RBI in 48 games) has done nothing this season to warrant attention from fantasy owners, but Wednesday may be your best day to get production out of him.
Description: The Mets have not yet decided whether starter Johan Santana will be shut down for the season but they have ruled him out for his scheduled start Thursday, according to Andrew Marchand of ESPNNewYork.com.
Insight: It seems unlikely that Santana will be able to make a positive contribution to fantasy teams again this season.
Description: The Mets will determine Johan Santana's fate for the rest of the season Monday.
Insight: Santana may be shut down Monday now that the team has fallen out of the race. The left-hander has allowed 33 runs over his last five starts and his ERA has skyrocketed from 2.76 to 4.85 in that span.
Description: Mets starter Jonathon Niese turned in his second straight dominant outing Saturday against the Nationals. After going eight innings against the Braves his last time out, Niese shut out Washington on five hits, walked none and struck out seven in 7 1/3 innings.
Insight: Aside from a few hiccups, Niese (10-6, 3.49 ERA) has been excellent this season. He should be owned in all deep mixed leagues.
Description: Mets first baseman Ike Davis won't be in action Friday night against the Nationals.
Insight: Davis (.216, 21 HR, 65 RBI) ended a 15-game homerless drought with a solo shot last night in Cincinnati. Daniel Murphy (.293, 4 HR, 49 RBI) will handle first base with Davis on the bench.
Description: Mets third baseman David Wright is hitting .417 in 12 at-bats versus Nationals left-hander Ross Detweiler, including four extra base hits and a 1.333 OPS.
Insight: Wright batted .351 before the All-Star break with a 1.004 OPS, but since then is batting just .242 with a .771 OPS. Perhaps this matchup can get him going again.
Description: Mets reliever Frank Francisco entered with an 8-1 lead against the Reds Thursday and promptly gave up three earned on four hits and a walk in 2/3 of an inning.
Insight: It's amazing that Francisco still owns the Mets' closer role. Sure, he has managed to only blow three saves but he has a 6.25 ERA and 1.83 WHIP in 31 2/3 innings. Jon Rauch has picked up Francisco in his last two appearances and we may see him take over closing duties soon.
Description: Mets pitching prospect Matt Harvey pitched into the eighth for the first time as a pro Thursday against Cincinnati, tossing 7 2/3 innings of four-hit ball and striking out eight while walking just one in an 8-4 win.
Insight: Harvey allowed just one run to drop his ERA to 3.00. The right-hander has been as good as advertised, posting a 34/13 K/BB ratio and allowing just 21 hits in 30 innings.
Description: The Mets have activated newly-acquired catcher Kelly Shoppach. Boston traded Shoppach to New York Tuesday for a player to be named later.
Insight: Shoppach accumulated a .250 average with five homers and 17 RBI in limited action with the Red Sox earlier in the year. He might get a few more opportunities in New York than he did in Boston but he's still unlikely to carry much fantasy value.
Description: History suggests that New York left fielder Jason Bay will do well Sunday against Atlanta's Ben Sheets. In 30 at bats, Bay has hit .400 against Sheets with a home run and three RBI.
Insight: Bay's lack of production has been almost laughable this season (.150, 5 HR, 11 RBI in 44 games) but if somehow you're still holding onto him in fantasy, today would be the day to play him.
Description: Johan Santana endured a disastrous return to the Mets starting rotation on Saturday. In just an inning and a third of action, the veteran lefthander let in eight runs on eight hits as the Braves dominated New York 9-3.
Insight: Santana was supposed to throw 90 pitches on Saturday but he got the hook after just 43. He's now 0-4 with a brutal 22.09 ERA over his last four starts.
Description: New York left fielder Jason Bay wasn't on the lineup card for Saturday's game versus Atlanta.
Insight: He'll sit for the fourth time in the Mets' past seven games, a clear indication that Bay's days as a starting major league outfielder are over.
Description: New York officially activated lefthanded starting pitcher Johan Santana from the disabled list on Saturday. He had been out since mid-July with an injured shoulder.
Insight: Santana will start Saturday versus Atlanta, a team that he has struggled against in the past (3-8 record in 15 career starts against the Braves). Santana (6-7, 3.98 ERA) will be limited to just 90 pitches on Saturday, so don't expect him to last longer than six innings.
Description: Mets third baseman David Wright is hitting .417 in 12 at-bats versus Nationals left-hander Ross Detweiler, including four extra base hits and a 1.333 OPS.
Insight: Wright batted .351 before the All-Star break with a 1.004 OPS, but since then is batting just .242 with a .771 OPS. Perhaps this matchup can get him going again.
Description: Mets center fielder Andres Torres finished a single shy of the cycle Thursday afternoon against the Marlins.
Insight: The home run was just Torres' second of the season and he is still hitting only .242 for the season. Consider Thursday's strong performance an anomaly.
Description: Mets starter R.A. Dickey tossed his fourth complete game of the season Thursday afternoon against the Marlins. Dickey scattered five hits and the only run he gave up came on a solo homer by Justin Ruggiano.
Insight: Dickey (15-3, 2.72) fanned 10 and walked none to improve his impeccable K/BB to 166/36 in 162 1/3 innings this season.
Description: Mets third baseman David Wright is hitting .242 in 25 post-break games, and his troubles may continue Thursday against Marlins starter Josh Johnson.
Insight: Wright is just 7-for-32 (.219) with three RBIs and eight strikeouts in his career against Johnson. You might want to sit him down Thursday.
Description: According to Newsday's David Lennon, Mets outfielder Jason Bay is no longer the team's regular left fielder, manager Terry Collins said Tuesday.
Insight: If Jason Bay is still your fantasy team's everyday left fielder it's likely that you gave up on the season a few months ago. Bay will carry a .154 average and .533 OPS to the Mets' bench.
Description: Mets third baseman David Wright is hitting .244 in 22 post-break games, but he has an excellent matchup Sunday against Padres starter Jason Marquis.
Insight: Wright is batting .412 (14-for-34) with two homers and nine RBIs in his career against Marquis, which should allow him to break out of his post-break slump Sunday.
Description: According to Adam Rubin of ESPN New York, Mets manager Terry Collins said starter Johan Santana is expected to rejoin the rotation next Saturday against the Braves.
Insight: Santana is out with a sprained right ankle after allowing 19 earned runs in his last three starts, all losses. The poor performance may have been related to shoulder fatigue, so perhaps a stint on the disabled list allowed Santana to rest up.
Description: Mets right-hander Chris Young improved to 3-5 with one of his best outings of the season Thursday against San Francisco. Young scattered four hits and allowed one run with no walks in seven innings.
Insight: Young had lost his last four decisions and was coming off his worst start of the season July 28 at Arizona. The right-hander has been solid, allowing three earned runs or less in nine of his 11 starts this season, and is worth an add in deeper leagues.
Description: Mets first baseman Ike Davis is getting the afternoon off Thursday against the Giants.
Insight: Davis (.209, 20 HRs, 60 RBIs) is just 1-for-16 with nine strikeouts since his monster effort Sunday against the Diamondbacks (4-for-4, three home runs).
Description: Mets left fielder Jason Bay has hit .400 against Giants starter Matt Cain throughout his career.
Insight: If you have a weak stomach, you're not going to want to look at Bay's stats this season because they're pretty awful (.162, 5 HRs, 8 RBIs). But if you can get past that and just look at the matchup, Bay actually isn't a bad play Wednesday night versus Cain (10-3, 2.80 ERA).
Description: Mets third baseman David Wright lists hitting off of Matt Cain as one of his favorite hobbies on Facebook. Okay, maybe he doesn't, but he's still pretty darn good against Cain. In 21 lifetime at bats, Wright has collected nine hits against the NL Cy Young candidate including five doubles.
Insight: That's a .429 batting average for those of you keeping score at home. With that kind of track record against Cain (10-3, 2.80 ERA), you can't afford to leave Wright (.329, 16 HRs, 71 RBIs) on your bench Wednesday night.
Description: Mets pitching prospect Zack Wheeler will be promoted to Triple-A Buffalo Sunday after making one more start at Double-A Tuesday, ESPN.com reports.
Insight: Mets manager Terry Collins said two weeks ago that Wheeler wouldn't pitch in the big leagues this season, but then the team considered bringing him up last week following Matt Harvey's promotion. While Wheeler has a bright future, he may not make it to the big leagues in time to contribute to fantasy teams this season.
Description: Mets starter R.A. Dickey had his best start since June 29 Sunday against Arizona. Dickey held the Diamondbacks to one unearned run on four hits in seven innings to pick up a victory.
Insight: Dickey (14-2, 2.83 ERA) had allowed four earned runs or more in four of his last six starts prior to Sunday. We could see the knuckleballer go on another run of dominance in August.
Description: Mets left fielder Jason Bay has a nice track record against Arizona's Joe Saunders. He's hitting .500 with a pair of home runs against the Diamondbacks lefty.
Insight: Most owners have lost faith in Bay (.164, 5 HRs, 8 RBIs) by now but if you still have him on your roster he could come in handy on Sunday.
Description: Ike Davis had a mammoth game Saturday against the Diamondbacks. The New York first baseman finished the night 4-for-4 with three homers.
Insight: Despite an incredible effort from Davis (.216, 20 HRs, 60 RBIs), the Mets lost 6-3 and have now dropped 13 of 15 games since the All-Star break. Davis has hit .283 with eight homers and 11 RBIs during that span.
Description: Mets third baseman David Wright is 4-for-8 against Diamondbacks hurler Ian Kennedy with a pair of homers and a 1.975 OPS.
Insight: After three months of batting .340 or more, July has seen Wright struggle a bit. He's batted just .271 with a season-low .902 OPS. Perhaps this favorable matchup will get hit going again.
Description: New York starter R.A. Dickey has allowed at least four earned runs in four of his last six starts, including Tuesday against the Nationals. The knuckleballer's loss Tuesday was his first since April 18.
Insight: Dickey (13-2, 2.97 ERA) also allowed a two-run homer in a relief appearance July 21. He was due for a slight regression, but we've seen what he's capable of when he commands his knuckleball so keep starting him in fantasy leagues.
Description: Mets closer Frank Francisco (oblique) had his rehab stint delayed after he needed a shot in his right knee. According to Mike Mazzeo of ESPN, the closer thinks he'll be able to pitch Wednesday.
Insight: Unless the Mets acquire another arm like Jonathan Broxton, Francisco will reassume the closer role in New York. Bobby Parnell has blown both of his save chances since Francisco went on the DL.
Description: New York outfielder Lucas Duda will be optioned to Triple-A Buffalo to make room on the roster for Matt Harvey, according to Bob Klapisch of The Record and Fox Sports.
Insight: Duda (.241, 12 HRs, 44 RBIs) is batting .140 for the month with 16 strikeouts in 43 at bats. Jordany Valdespin is getting his first career start in right field Monday, and he figures to see solid playing time with Duda in the minors.
Description: New York outfielder Lucas Duda won't be on the field for Monday night's contest against the Nationals.
Insight: Duda (.241, 12 HRs, 44 RBIs) went 1-for-10 this past weekend against the Dodgers. He's batting .140 for the month with 16 strikeouts in 43 at bats.
Description: Mets pitching prospect Matt Harvey will finally make his big league debut Thursday against Arizona.
Insight: Harvey has been considered for several spot starts but the team has chosen to use Miguel Batista instead each time. However, with Johan Santana joining Dillon Gee on the DL, the Mets need Harvey now. Deeper mixed league owners should take a flier on the 23-year-old right-hander.
Description: Mets lefthander Johan Santana, who was moved to the disabled list Saturday after spraining his ankle, will also have his shoulder checked out as a precaution.
Insight: Santana's recent struggles (0-3, 13.50 ERA in his last three outings) could be linked to shoulder fatigue, which would almost definitely extend his stay on the DL.
Description: Mets righthander Miguel Batista has been designated for assignment following a subpar outing Saturday in a spot start against the Dodgers.
Insight: Batista (1-3) allowed four runs and five hits in three innings Saturday to raise his season ERA to 4.82. After Batista clears waivers, it's likely New York will send him to Triple-A Buffalo unless of course, he refuses the assignment and decides to become a free agent instead. Either way, it's doubtful that Batista will ever regain the form that made him a 16-game winner back in 2007.
Description: Mets left fielder Jason Bay is not in the lineup for New York's series finale Sunday afternoon against Los Angeles.
Insight: Bay, who is 4-for-17 (.235) since returning from the DL earlier in the week, is on pace to finish with the lowest batting average of his 10-year major league career this season (.196).
Description: Mets pitching prospect Matt Harvey is back in the rotation picture with Johan Santana on the disabled list.
Insight: Harvey was being considered for a start Saturday but the team turned to Miguel Batista, who allowed four runs in three innings and now has a 4.82 ERA and 1.80 WHIP. Though the Mets haven't turned to Harvey when they've need a starter this season, they may be forced to now that two-fifths of the rotation is on the disabled list.
Description: New York Mets starter Johan Santana has been placed on the 15-day disabled list with a sprained right ankle.
Insight: Santana has a slightly above average won/loss record of 11-9 with a 3.98 ERA and 1.265 WHIP. R.A. Dickey is the Mets ace this year, but they need Santana to help eat innings and stay out of their vulnerable bullpen.
Description: Mets third baseman David Wright is 6-for-15 against Dodgers hurler Chris Capuano including a pair of homers and a 1.371 OPS.
Insight: Wright has consistenly pounded the ball all season long. He batted at least .340 in April, May and June and July is at a .321 pace. Add in the favorable matchup and Wright is a must-start.
Description: Mets third baseman David Wright is 11-for-20 against Dodgers hurler Aaron Harang.
Insight: Wright has consistenly pounded the ball all season long. He's batted at least .340 in each month this year. Add in the favorable matchup and Wright is a must-start.
Description: Mets catcher Josh Thole is 7-for-9 in his career against Dodgers starter Aaron Harang.
Insight: The sample size isn't big, but the results are amazing - a .778 batting average with a 2.000 OPS. He's worth a flier on Friday, because he's hit well this week (6-for-15).
Description: Mets third baseman David Wright blasted two homers and drove in five runs Thursday against Washington.
Insight: Wright still has his batting average at .353, and if he can start adding some pop to the mix he'll be even more valuable to fantasy owners. The third baseman has three homers in the last two games after hitting 11 in the first half.
Description: Mets second base Daniel Murphy is getting the afternoon off Thursday against the Nationals.
Insight: Murphy (.289, 3 HRs, 43 RBIs) has appeared in all but two of New York's 91 games so far this season so he's probably due for a day of rest. He went 0-4 in Wednesday night's game after an impressive 2-for-2 effort on Tuesday.
Description: Mets outfielder Lucas Duda, who missed time earlier in the week with a hamstring injury, is sitting out Thursday afternoon's series finale against Washington.
Insight: Duda (.246, 12 HRs, 44 RBIs) went 1-4 with a double and two strikeouts in his return to the lineup on Wednesday. He should be back in action for the start of New York's next series against the Dodgers.
Description: Mets outfielder Lucas Duda (hamstring) is batting fifth and starting in right field Wednesday night against the Nationals.
Insight: Duda, who hasn't played since Saturday because of a strained left hamstring, had originally been expected to miss Wednesday's game but here he is. He's just two for his last 20 at the plate so you may want to wait for Duda (.246, 12 HRs, 44 RBIs) to break out of the slump he's been in before inserting him back into your starting lineup.
Description: New York outfielder Lucas Duda was hoping to return to the Mets' lineup Wednesday, but it apparently won't happen as he's now expected to miss the game against Washington.
Insight: Duda (.246, 12 HRs, 44 RBIs) hasn't played since last Saturday. He's struggled in July, batting just .138 with a .527 OPS in nine games.
Description: New York closer Bobby Parnell blew the save Tuesday night as the Mets fell to the Nationals 5-4 in extra innings.
Insight: Parnell (2-2, 3.19) has followed up a streak of nine scoreless outings in a row by blowing saves in each of his last two appearances. If Parnell continues to struggle like this he could quickly lose his grasp on the closer's job.
Description: Mets starter Jonathon Niese bounced back from a rough outing July 8 against the Cubs with seven innings of one-run, three-hit ball Tuesday against Washington. Niese struck out eight without walking a batter.
Insight: Niese (7-4, 3.58 ERA) allowed seven runs in seven innings his last time out, but he's given up two runs or less in six of his last eight starts. The left-hander is having a career year, posting a 99/32 K/BB ratio and a 1.17 WHIP.
Description: While the Mets won't promote pitching prospect Matt Harvey for Saturday's start, there's a chance he'll be called upon at some point this season. However, Mets manager Terry Collins said Tuesday that the team's other pitching prospect, Zack Wheeler, won't pitch for the team at all this season, according to Anthony DiComo of MLB.com.
Insight: Wheeler has gone 9-4 with a 2.39 ERA and 95 strikeouts in 101 2/3 innings over 16 starts with Double-A Binghamton this season. He'll likely be promoted to Triple-A soon, but he'll have to wait until at least next year for a big league callup.
Description: Mets pitching prospect Matt Harvey will not make his major league debut Saturday, according to Adam Rubin of ESPN New York.
Insight: Harvey was being considered for a start Saturday but the team will go with Miguel Batista. However, Batista is not a long-term answer so we're expecting the team to promote Harvey, who has struck out 106 batters in 105 innings while recording a 3.34 ERA at Triple-A Buffalo this season, at some point.
Description: New York outfielder Lucas Duda is hoping to return to the Mets' lineup Wednesday.
Insight: Duda (.246, 12 HRs, 44 RBIs) was given an anti-inflammatory shot Tuesday, according to Adam Rubin of ESPN New York. He hasn't played since last Saturday and he hasn't started since Friday.
Description: Mets pitching prospect Matt Harvey allowed two runs on four hits over 6 2/3 innings for Triple-A Buffalo Monday. The Mets are considering Harvey for a start Saturday.
Insight: Harvey took a no-hitter into the sixth inning in what may be his final minor league start. The right-hander would be someone to add in deeper mixed leagues if he's called up for Saturday, as he's fanned 106 batters in 105 innings while recording a 3.34 ERA this season.
Description: The Mets expect outfielder Jason Bay to come off the DL in time to play in Wednesday's game against Washington. Bay has been sidelined with a concussion since the middle of June.
Insight: Bay is currently on a rehab assignment with Triple-A Buffalo. The 30-year-old version of Bay was a fantasy behemoth (.267, 36 HRs, 119 RBIs with Boston in 2009). Unfortunately those days are long gone for Bay, who stopped being fantasy relevant as soon as he put on a Mets uniform back in 2010.
Description: New York outfielder Lucas Duda is sitting out Sunday's game in Atlanta because of a hamstring problem.
Insight: He's heading back to New York to get his hamstring checked out. Hopefully for fantasy owners this injury won't cost Duda (.246, 12 HRs, 44 RBIs) more than a few games.
Description: Mets first baseman Ike Davis homered and hit a double Saturday in New York's 8-7 loss to Atlanta.
Insight: Davis' average still sits at a highly unacceptable .207, but he has been an RBI machine lately. The home run was the third he's hit in his past nine games and over that span, Davis has driven in eight runs.
Description: Mets third baseman David Wright is a career .182 batter (4-for-22) versus Braves hurler Tommy Hanson.
Insight: Wright's batting average hasn't been below .350 all season and he's produced at a high level in almost every category. Saturday, however, you shouldn't expect big numbers.
Description: Mets closer Frank Francisco had a setback in his recovery from a left oblique injury.
Insight: This should come as good news for Bobby Parnell (2-1, 2.83 ERA) owners as this latest setback probably just bought the New York reliever an extra week or two of save chances.
Description: Mets pitching prospect Matt Harvey threw two hitless innings and struck out two Wednesday night for the International League in the Triple-A All-Star Game.
Insight: Harvey's chances on joining the major league club increased greatly when Dillon Gee went down with a blood clot in his pitching shoulder. Gee will need what will likely be season-ending surgery to repair a damaged artery, so Harvey could get a shot to fill the spot in the rotation, especially since Miguel Batista and Jeremy Hefner are the other in-house options.
Description: Though doctors were able to dissolve a blood clot in the pitching shoulder of Mets starter Dillon Gee, they have determined the right-hander will need surgery to repair a damaged artery. Gee will have the surgery Friday and could miss the rest of the season.
Insight: The surgery should prevent a recurrence of clotting, allowing Gee to live without problems going forward, but he won't be able to resume throwing for 6-8 weeks following the procedure. Even under the best-case scenario, Gee wouldn't return until late September, so he can be dropped in fantasy leagues.
Description: Mets No. 2 prospect Matt Harvey is 7-4 with a 3.39 ERA and 102 strikeouts in 98 1/3 innings at Triple-A Buffalo this season, but he isn't a candidate to take over Dillon Gee's spot in the rotation, according to the New York Post.
Insight: Gee is out with a blood clot in his shoulder and Miguel Batista will assume his turn for now. However, Harvey's potential can't be ignored much longer by New York if Gee is going to be out for an extended period of time.
Description: Mets starter Dillon Gee is expected to land on the disabled list with a blood clot in his right shoulder.
Insight: It couldn't happen for a worse time for Gee and his fantasy owners. He had improved his ERA and WHIP in each succeeding month to a point where he was a valuable fantasy asset despite an overall 6-7 won/loss record. Over his last four starts he was 2-2 with a 3.08 ERA and 1.139 WHIP.
Description: Mets starter Dillon Gee had his strongest start of the season Saturday against the Cubs, lasting eight innings for the first time and allowing one run on seven hits.
Insight: Gee (6-7, 4.10) walked none and struck out four. The right-hander should be added in deeper mixed leagues, as his 3.46 xFIP suggests that better times are ahead.
Description: Mets third baseman David Wright has faced Phillies starter Cole Hamels 46 times in his career, and he's picked up 14 hits, two homers and six RBIs.
Insight: Wright has returned to fantasy prominence with a .350 average, .441 OBP and .559 slugging percentage, each of which would be a career high. Expect another solid day Thursday against Hamels.
Description: Mets outfielder Scott Hairston has been a bane to Phillies starter Cole Hamels. Hairston is 10-for-26 (.385) with four homers against the Philadelphia lefty.
Insight: Hairston already has posted the third highest homer total of his career with 11. He is a good bet to go deep Thursday against Hamels.
Description: New York first baseman Ike Davis is still seeking his first hit against Phillies lefty Cliff Lee. He's 0-for-8 with three strikeouts.
Insight: Davis' hot streak has apparently come to and end as he's batted just .176 this week. He's got 11 HR and 45 RBI this season, but a .656 OPS isn't enough production for the first base position.
Description: New York starter Johan Santana threw a gem for the Mets on Saturday. Santana held the Dodgers scoreless for eight innings while allowing just three hits and two walks. He struck out three.
Insight: Los Angeles never had a chance on Saturday as the Dodgers were shutout for the fifth time in their last six games. Santana, who began the month by throwing the first no-hitter in franchise history, is 2-1 with a 0.90 ERA in his last three starts.
Description: You can go ahead and pencil Mets third baseman David Wright in for another massive fantasy performance on Friday. He'll be going up against Dodgers starter Aaron Harang, whom Wright is batting .556 against in 18 lifetime at bats.
Insight: Wright enters Friday's action with the National League's second-highest batting average at .361. He also has nine homers and 49 RBIs in 73 games this season. Look for him to add to those spectacular totals Friday against Harang (5-4, 3.81 ERA).
Description: New York first baseman Ike Davis brushed the first base umpire with his glove while arguing a pickoff call Wednesday night. The case is under review, according to Adam Rubin of MLB.com.
Insight: Davis may draw a fine, but we'd be surprised if this led to a suspension as the bump was accidental. David has slugged four homers and driven in 13 runs in his last eight games, raising his average above .200 for the first time this season Wednesday.
Description: Mets third baseman David Wright had two hits and five RBIs in three at-bats Wednesday against the Cubs.
Insight: Wright seems to have cooled off a bit in June, but he's still batting .344 with 17 RBIs this month. The third baseman should continue to produce, as his 40/45 K/BB ratio is the best of his career.
Description: Mets infielder Daniel Murphy had three hits and his first two homers of the season Wednesday against the Cubs.
Insight: Murphy has been ice cold, picking up just 10 hits in 67 at-bats since June 4 prior to Wednesday. Consider Wednesday an aberration that is unlikely to occur again.
Description: Mets outfielder Scott Hairston blasted a sixth inning grand slam Wednesday against the Cubs.
Insight: Hairston had two hits in five at-bats. The outfielder now has 10 homers and an OPS north of .800, so he's a must-own in NL-only leagues and deeper mixed formats.
Description: New York first baseman Ike Davis lifted his batting average over .200 for the first time all season with a three-hit day Wednesday against the Cubs.
Insight: Davis had a homer and four RBIs in the game. He's made a major turnaround this month, hitting five homers, driving in 20 runs and batting .266 with a 21/14 K/BB ratio.
Description: Mets starter Johan Santana will not have his starts spread out or cut short later in the season to limit his innings count, Mets manager Terry Collins said, according to ESPN New York.
Insight: Santana (5-4, 3.00) is on track to make 32 starts and toss around 190-200 innings this season after missing all of last year after having surgery to repair a torn anterior capsule in his left shoulder. Santana is holding up better than anyone could have expected, and he's been a fantasy rotation anchor as a result.
Description: New York first baseman Ike Davis will start for the Mets Monday night against the Cubs. He missed Saturday's game with food poisoning and was limited to one at bat as a pinch-hitter in Sunday night's game.
Insight: Davis (.190, 8 HRs, 36 RBIs) has underachieved this season but he has managed to hit 11-for-31 (.354) with 2 HRs and 11 RBIs over his last 10 games.
Description: Mets reliever Bobby Parnell will be used as the team's closer until Frank Francisco returns from the disabled list.
Insight: Parnell (1-1, 3.30 ERA) recorded six saves last year so this role isn't completely foreign to him. He's second in the National League in holds this season with 15.
Description: Mets closer Frank Francisco has been placed on the 15-day DL because of a strained oblique.
Insight: Francisco is 18-for-21 in save opportunities this season but his 4.97 ERA is not what fantasy owners had been hoping for. Francisco has also been bothered by knee and hamstring issues at other points this season.
Description: Mets first baseman Ike Davis won't be available for Sunday night's series finale against the Yankees. Davis has been suffering from food poisoning.
Insight: Three of Davis' eight home runs this season have come in the last two weeks. He is hitting .246 this month, which is much better than the .154 average he registered during May.
Description: Mets right-hander Chris Young seemed to be cruising toward his second win of the season Saturday against the Yankees, as he shut out New York through six innings. However, he surrendered a game-tying three-run homer to Raul Ibanez in the seventh.
Insight: Young still finished with his second straight quality start, but not getting the win is a bit of a disappointment for fantasy owners considering how strong he looked earlier in the game.
Description: Mets first baseman Ike Davis (illness) has been scratched from Saturday's lineup against the Yankees, according to Adam Rubin of ESPN New York.
Insight: Poor timing, as Davis has three homers and an 18/14 K/BB ratio this month. He's clearly seeing the ball better than he was earlier in the season.
Description: According to Adam Rubin of ESPN New York, Mets outfielder Jason Bay is no longer suffering from concussion symptoms.
Insight: Bay could be cleared soon for workouts. The outfielder was concussed eight days ago after smashing into the left field wall trying to make a diving catch.
Description: Mets starter Jonathon Niese held the Yankees to two runs on eight hits in 6 1/3 innings Friday to improve to 5-3. Niese walked one and struck out five.
Insight: Niese has struck out an impressive 79 batters in 81 2/3 innings along with a 3.75 ERA and 1.27 WHIP this season. He's a must-own in deeper mixed leagues.
Description: Mets first baseman Ike Davis went 1-for-4 with a three-run blast Friday against the Yankees.
Insight: Davis went 0-for-7 in his last two games, but he's clearly been seeing the ball better at the plate. In June, Davis has three homers and an 18/14 K/BB ratio.
Description: Mets third baseman David Wright will go up against Andy Pettitte on Sunday, a pitcher he has enjoyed plenty of success against in the past. In 24 prior at bats, Wright is hitting .458 against the Yankees lefthander with 2 HR and 3 RBI.
Insight: Wright is 26-for-89 for the past four weeks (.292), but without the power numbers he's shown for most of the season (.884 OPS vs. 1.027 for the season). This is a significant drop from his early season production level. We hope this favorable matchup will kick start his bat.
Description: New York outfielder Lucas Duda is not in the starting lineup for Wednesday's game against the Orioles. He's dealing with a tight hamstring.
Insight: Duda (.268, 11 HRs, 42 RBIs) homered for the first time since June 6th in Tuesday night's 5-0 win but he'll get the night off to rest his ailing hamstring on Wednesday.
Description: New York outfielder Lucas Duda went 2-for-4 with a homer and two RBIs Tuesday against Baltimore.
Insight: Duda hit three homers and drove in nine runs in his first seven games this month, but he hadn't homered while striking out 14 times in the last 10 games prior to Tuesday.
Description: Mets starter Johan Santana returned to form Tuesday, holding Baltimore scoreless in six four-hit frames. Santana walked two and struck out five to improve to 5-3.
Insight: Santana gave up 10 runs in 10 innings in the two starts following his no-hitter, but he was sharp on Tuesday. Look for more performances like Tuesday's as the season goes on.
Description: Mets first baseman Ike Davis broke a 0-0 tie in the sixth inning with a two-out grand slam Monday night in New York's 5-0 win over the Orioles.
Insight: The grand slam extended Davis' hitting streak to nine games. He has hit .414 with two homers and 11 RBIs during the streak and has seen his batting average rise from .158 all the way up to .196.
Description: New York starter R.A. Dickey turned in another breathtaking performance Monday night against the Orioles. Dickey threw a career-high 13 strikeouts on his way to another one-hit shutout and his sixth win in a row.
Insight: Dickey has thrown complete games in three of his last four starts and hasn't given up an earned run since May 22nd. What Dickey is doing right now is truly remarkable. He leads the league in wins (11) and is now tied for the major league lead in ERA at an even 2.00.
Description: The Mets expect that Jason Bay will need more time than the minimum seven days to recover from his latest injury, a concussion suffered Friday in New York's loss to Cincinnati.
Insight: Bay missed the final two months of the 2010 season while dealing with concussion symptoms so he has a history of head injuries. It sounds like we might not see Bay (.187, 4 HRs, 6 RBIs) in the big leagues again until after the All-Star break.
Description: New York outfielder Jason Bay has been placed on the 7-day disabled list after suffering a concussion Friday night in a game against Cincinnati.
Insight: Bay's diastrous tenure with the Mets continues. He has been a fantasy disappointment every season since his move to New York and 2012 has been no different. Bay (.187, 4 HRs, 6 RBIs) should be ignored in fantasy going forward.
Description: Mets infielder Daniel Murphy went 0-for-4 against the Reds Friday.
Insight: Murphy was hitting .331 on May 18, but since then he's gone into an average-crushing tailspin. The infielder is hitting .186 (18-for-97) in his last 26 games as his batting average has slipped to .275. Considering batting average was the only category Murphy was consistently contributing in earlier this season, he can be cut loose now.
Description: Mets outfielder Jason Bay is being looked at for a possible concussion. Bay left Friday's game after he dove into the left field wall attempting to make a catch.
Insight: Bay has had some poor luck diving in left field at Citi Field. He fractured a rib on April 23 attempting to make a diving catch and now this. Bay went 0-for-16 in his first four games back from the DL before going 2-for-9 with a solo homer and a walk in the last two.
Description: Mets outfielder Kirk Nieuwenhuis went 2-for-5 with two homers and three RBIs Thursday against the Rays.
Insight: Nieuwenhuis has been a solid NL-only outfielder this season, batting .298 with five homers and four steals. His .409 BABIP suggests his average will fall once his luck turns, but he posted a .355 BABIP at low-A in 2008, a .332 BABIP at high-A in 2009, a .338 BABIP at Double-A in 2010 and a .407 BABIP at Triple-A in 2011, so perhaps he won't regress too much there.
Description: Mets starter Johan Santana gave up four runs on six hits in five innings Thursday against the Rays but New York scored nine runs to help Santana win his fourth game of the year. Santana walked four and struck out six.
Insight: Santana has given up 10 runs in 10 innings since his no-hitter, but both of those starts have been against American League opponents. Perhaps once he gets back to facing National League offenses his numbers will improve.
Description: R.A. Dickey's incredible season continued Wednesday night in Tampa Bay. He allowed just one run on one hit, striking out 12 without surrendering a single walk in New York's 9-1 win over the Rays.
Insight: Dickey's scoreless streak is over but the only run he gave up in nine innings was unearned, so his ERA for the month of June is still zero. The 12 strikeouts were a season high. He's 5-0 with a 0.23 ERA in his last five starts. If the NL Cy Young award were given out today, Dickey would be the easy choice.
Description: Mets first baseman Ike Davis went 2-for-3 with a double and an RBI Wednesday against the Rays.
Insight: Davis started against lefty David Price despite his .164 average in 61 at-bats against lefty pitchers this season. Davis has put together a modest four game hitting streak, going 6-for-10 with two doubles, a homer and five RBIs in that span. Perhaps he's finally starting to come along, so keep an eye on him, as he's likely available in many fantasy leagues.
Description: New York outfielder Lucas Duda will start the game on the bench Wednesday night when the Mets take on the Rays.
Insight: Manager Terry Collins has a habit of sitting his lefties against lefthanded pitchers (David Price is on the mound for Tampa Bay tonight) so that's why Duda (.266, 10 HRs, 37 RBIs) isn't in the lineup. We wouldn't be surprised to see him pinch-hit later in the game, however.
Description: There is no hotter pitcher in baseball than Mets starter R.A. Dickey. Over the past month he's 4-0 in five starts with a 0.98 ERA, 0.764 WHIP and 46 Ks in 36 2/3 innings.
Insight: Dickey's All-Star worthy statistics now read 9-1 with a 2.44 ERA and a 1.037 WHIP. He's a must start every time he takes the mound.
Description: Mets first baseman Ike Davis went 2-for-4 with a three-run homer Tuesday against Tampa Bay.
Insight: Davis has been a mess this year, batting .167 with a .533 OPS in 58 games prior to Tuesday. He now has six homers on the year, but you might want to let him hit a few more before you take a chance on him.
Description: Mets right-hander Chris Young's second start of the season yielded his first win since April 5, 2011. Young allowed two runs on nine hits in 5 2/3 innings against Tampa Bay Tuesday.
Insight: Young returned from a shoulder injury to throw five innings of two-run ball against Washington last week before leaving the team following the birth of his child. He's worth a look in deeper mixed leagues, but he might struggle to stay on the hill.
Description: Mets right-hander Chris Young (paternity leave) is scheduled to start on Tuesday against Tampa Bay.
Insight: Young just returned from a shoulder injury to pitch five innings against Washington last week. He gave up six hits and two earned runs while striking out two batters. At the moment we don't think he's a fantasy-worthy starter.
Description: Mets starter Jonathon Niese allowed just two unearned runs on seven hits in seven innings Sunday against the Yankees. Niese walked one and struck out six but took a no decision.
Insight: Niese exited with a heightened heart rate during his previous start and will likely undergo ablation sugery in the offseason. Other than his May 18 start against Texas (3 IP, 8 ER), Niese is 4-1 with a 2.63 ERA this season. The Mets lefty has had some poor luck, as 18.4 percent of his fly balls have left the yard, according to FanGraphs. If that normalizes, expect Niese to continue to post solid numbers across the board. His xFIP suggests he would have a 3.51 ERA with a league average HR/FB.
Description: Mets third baseman David Wright will go up against Andy Pettitte on Sunday, a pitcher he has enjoyed plenty of success against in the past. In 21 prior at bats, Wright is hitting .476 against the Yankees lefthander with 2 HRs and 3 RBIs.
Insight: Wright's average has slipped in recent weeks but are you really going to complain about a guy who is hitting .355 midway through the month of June? I didn't think so. Wright hit his eighth homer of the season Saturday in a 4-2 Mets loss.
Description: Mets outfielder Jason Bay is a .438 lifetime hitter in 32 at bats against Yankees lefthander Andy Pettitte, the pitcher he will face on Sunday.
Insight: Bay (.211, 3 HRs, 5 RBIs) is hitless in two games since returning from the DL but maybe this favorable matchup can get him going again.
Description: Pitching for the first time since his no-hitter one week ago, Mets starter Johan Santana was very hittable Friday against the Yankees. Santana allowed six runs on seven hits in five innings, including four homers.
Insight: Santana was bit by the longball Friday. Hopefully this is just a matter of facing a lineup that hits a lot of them rather than something wrong with his left arm after he threw a career-high 134 pitches during last week's gem.
Description: New York outfielder Jason Bay will start Friday against the Yankees.
Insight: Bay (.240, 3 HRs, 5 RBIs) was activated from the disabled list on Wednesday, but he had a sinus infection. This will be his first start since he fractured his rib in late April.
Description: New York Mets pitching prospect Zack Wheeler (Double-A Binghamton) held Harrisburg to one unearned run on two hits over seven innings to improve to 6-2 Thursday. Wheeler, New York's top propsect and the No. 25 overall player on MLB.com's list of top 100 prospects, was acquired from the Giants for Carlos Beltran last season.
Insight: Wheeler is clearly ready to move up to Triple-A, as he has a 1.66 ERA and 67 strikeouts in 59 2/3 innings over 10 starts at Double-A. He's also held batters to a .160 BAA while allowing just 32 hits. With the Mets surprisingly 1.5 games out in a very winnable NL East, we may see the team plan to bring Wheeler or other elite pitching prospect Matt Harvey up to the big leagues to help the team in the second half. But he'll have to get the call to Triple-A first.
Description: Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter is a career .455 hitter versus New York Mets starter Johan Santana.
Insight: Jeter has hit the ball all season, batting .319 with 30 runs scored, six homers and 20 RBI, but he did go hitless in three games against the Rays tough pitching staff. This game should stop the streak.
Description: Mets outfielder Lucas Duda exploded for another home run Thursday in New York's 3-1 victory over Washington. Duda also had a double in the game.
Insight: Duda is hitting .385 with 5 HRs and 12 RBIs over his last eight games. That's some week. If he's available (and he still is in almost 17 percent of fantasy leagues) you're going to want to give Duda a try.
Description: Mets infielder Daniel Murphy snapped out of a horrendous 0-19 spill by collecting two hits Thursday in New York's 3-1 win over the Nationals.
Insight: Murphy flied out and grounded into a double play in his first two at bats of the afternoon but he was able to rebound nicely with a pair of singles later on in the game. He's now batting .290 for the year with 23 RBIs in 58 games.
Description: Mets starter R.A. Dickey's ERA just keeps getting lower and lower. He dropped it to 2.44 after putting together another scoreless outing on Thursday.
Insight: Dickey (7.1 IP, 4 H, 0 ER, 2 BBs, 8 Ks) has now held his opponents scoreless in his last 24.2 innings pitched. Dickey has won seven decisions in a row and he just looks unstoppable right now. The 37-year-old is making a strong case to start the All-Star Game in Kansas City next month.
Description: New York outfielder Jason Bay is still sick and will not be available for Thursday's series finale against Washington.
Insight: Bay (.240, 3 HRs, 5 RBIs) was activated from the disabled list on Wednesday. Scott Hairston (.290, 8 HRs, 24 RBIs) is starting at left field in Bay's place.
Description: New York outfielder Jason Bay has been activated from the disabled list but he's not in the Mets' lineup against Washington Wednesday.
Insight: Kirk Nieuwenhuis is starting in left field and batting leadoff while Bay will ride the pine in his first game back with the team. Bay is not really worth owning in mixed leagues.
Description: New York outfielder Jason Bay has been activated from the disabled list.
Insight: Bay was batting .240 with three homers and five RBI in his first 50 at-bats before the injury. Bay hasn't been a power hitter since leaving Boston in 2009 and until he proves he can hit the long ball in Citi Field and approach his career .862 OPS he doesn't belong on your roster.
Description: Mets shortstop Ruben Tejada (quad) left Tuesday's minor league rehab game with Triple-A Buffalo after aggravating his right quad injury.
Insight: Tejada was supposed to return this weekend, but this will certainly keep him out longer. The 22-year-old was hitting .305 at the time of his injury, though he doesn't offer much production in any other category.
Description: New York Mets pitching prospect Zack Wheeler (Double-A Binghamton) has made nine starts this season and has yet to yield more than two runs in a game. He's currently got a 5-2 record with a 1.88 ERA, 0.97 WHIP and 60 strikeouts in 52 2/3 innings pitched.
Insight: Wheeler was the key acquisition in the July 2011 Carlos Beltran trade to the Giants. He was the sixth overall pick in the 2009 draft. Despite his young age, he turned 21-years-old last week, Wheeler might be the best pitching option should the Mets need an arm from their minor league system.
Description: Mets third baseman David Wright struggles versus Washington starter Jordan Zimmermann, batting just .188 (3-for-16) with six strikeouts over his career.
Insight: Wright is batting .361 this season, but just .227 with a mediocre .811 OPS over the past 14 days. This unfavorable matchup isn't likely to get him rolling again.
Description: Jon Rauch was taken to a hospital in New York to have an examination on his elbow. The tall righthander has been experiencing "tenderness" in his arm recently.
Insight: Rauch (3-5, 4.76 ERA) has been New York's setup man for much of the year so his fantasy value isn't incredibly high. Despite the "tenderness" Rauch has been experiencing, he was able to pitch Monday afternoon in the Mets' series finale against St. Louis, though he did allow the game winning two-run homer.
Description: Jonathon Niese exited Sunday's start against the Cardinals because of dizziness and a rapid heartbeat but he isn't expected to miss any time for the Mets. His next start will come on Sunday against the Yankees.
Insight: Despite Niese's heartbeat, an issue he has dealt with in the past, the 25-year-old lefthander had one of his best outings of the year Sunday against St. Louis. He tossed six scoreless frames while striking out 10 and giving up just six hits. For the year, Niese is 4-2 with a 4.11 ERA in 11 starts.
Description: Mets starter Chris Young (shoulder) is finally back. He'll make his first start of the season Tuesday against Washington.
Insight: Young is 1-0 with a 2.35 ERA in four minor league starts this season. His most recent outing came last Thursday as a member of the Triple-A Buffalo Bisons. He tossed six shutout innings in that performance. The 6-foot-10 righthander is 49-34 with a 3.74 ERA in 139 career major league starts.
Description: New York outfielder Jason Bay will have to wait at least one more day before the Mets activate him from the disabled list. Bay was supposed to return from a rib injury on Tuesday but now his return has been pushed back because of an illness.
Insight: Bay had been starting to get back on the right track before his rib injury (.290 in his last nine games) but his injury history, age (33) and declining power still make him a pretty big gamble in fantasy.
Description: Mets outfielder Jason Bay (rib) is expected to be activated from the 15-day disabled list for Tuesday's game against Washington.
Insight: Bay suffered a non-displaced fracture of a rib on his left side while trying to make a diving catch on April 23. He hasn't been the same fantasy-worthy player since leaving Boston in 2009 and at this point you should have a "show me first" attitude.
Description: Mets third basemans David Wright must smile when he sees Kyle Lohse on the mound as he's a career .474 hitter versus the Cardinals righthander with a pair of homers in 19 at-bats.
Insight: Wright is still batting .363 this season, but just .220 with a pedestrian .807 OPS over the past 14 days. Perhaps this matchup will get him rolling again.
Description: Mets starter R.A. Dickey tied for the league lead in wins with eight by shutting out the Cardinals on seven hits in a complete game effort on Saturday.
Insight: One night after Johan Santana threw the first no-hitter in Mets history against St. Louis, Dickey followed with a complete game shutout of his own. The knuckleballer is having a career year, going 8-1 with a 2.69 ERA, though if you remove the game he lost, Dickey's ERA drops to 2.08. He struck out nine without walking a batter on Saturday and has just three walks over his last five starts, so clearly he's expertly commanding his knuckleball right now. Dickey also has collected 38 strikeouts in 29 innings over his last four starts.
Description: New York Mets lefty Johan Santana will have his next start pushed back a day or two.
Insight: Santana became the first New York Mets pitcher to toss a no-hitter on Friday night against the Cardinals throwing a career-high 134 pitches en route to history. It's a well-deserved extra day and simply a precaution for Santana.
Description: Mets outfielder Lucas Duda hit a three-run homer and had four RBIs to back Johan Santana's no-hitter, the first in Mets' history.
Insight: Duda has driven in seven runs in the last two games, as he hit two blasts on Wednesday and one tonight. Duda has eight homers and 30 RBIs on the season to go along with a .259 batting average, which is about where we expected him to be.
Description: Johan Santana became the first New York Mets pitcher to throw a no-hitter on Friday night against the Cardinals. Santana walked five and struck out eight as the Mets won 8-0 over the top offensive club in the National League, the St. Louis Cardinals.
Insight: Mets manager Terry Collins allowed Santana to throw a career-high 134 pitches, 26 higher than his season high and nine higher than his previous career high. Santana has thrown two straight complete game shutouts and now has a 2.38 ERA this season. Hopefully extending his pitch count that high won't hurt him the rest of this season.
Description: Mets starter Chris Young (shoulder) said Friday that he plans on making two more starts at Triple-A Buffalo, according to Adam Rubin of ESPN New York.
Insight: Young's fastball has been topping out at 82-84 mph in his minor league rehab starts. On Thursday, the right-hander threw six scoreless innings for Triple-A Buffalo in what was his fourth minor league start. Young has held batters to a .218 BAA in his career, but he's thrown just 222 1/3 innings in the last four seasons combined.
Description: Jason Bay (rib) will begin a minor league rehab assignment with High-A St. Lucie on Saturday, according to Adam Rubin of ESPN New York.
Insight: Bay suffered a non-displaced fracture of a rib on his left side while trying to make a diving catch on April 23. He's a player you can steer clear of unless he proves otherwise. Like the two previous seasons, 2012 has not been a banner year for Bay, even prior to the injury.
Description: Ronny Cedeno has been placed on the 15-day DL with a calf strain. The move is retroactive to May 27th.
Insight: With Justin Turner also out, the Mets' middle infield is in some disarray right now. Cedeno's injury shouldn't keep him out much longer than the required 15 days.
Description: Mets closer Frank Francisco threw a scoreless ninth inning on Tuesday to pick up his 14th save of the season.
Insight: Suddenly, Francisco has become lights out as New York's closer. In his last six outings, Francisco has gone 5-for-5 in save chances while throwing six scoreless innings.
Description: Justin Turner sprained his right ankle Monday in New York's 8-4 loss to Philadelphia. He's expected to miss 2-3 weeks.
Insight: Turner isn't a big fantasy producer (.269, 0 HRs, 10 RBIs) but what's interesting about his injury is that after he was taken out of the game, he was replaced at shortstop by David Wright (.373, 5 HRs, 28 RBIs). Imagine if Wright was able to gain shortstop eligibility in addition to already being eligible at third. We don't know if this is a real possibility yet but stay tuned to see what kind of lineup manager Terry Collins goes with on Tuesday night.
Description: David Wright played six innings at shortstop on Monday. If that makes him eligible in your league for the new position, then its a huge upgrade in his fantasy value.
Insight: Wright was batting .382 heading into today's game with 32 runs scored, 5 HR, 28 RBI and five stolen bases. He's having a great season and if he become shortstop-eligible he becomes a top-10 fantasy value.
Description: R.A. Dickey knuckleballed his way to 7.1 scoreless innings of pitching Sunday in New York's 2-0 win over the Padres. Dickey fanned 10 while allowing just three hits. He walked one.
Insight: Since getting pounded by the Braves in his third start of the season (4.1 IP, 8 H, 8 ER), Dickey has rattled off five wins in a row while maintaining a 2.09 ERA. The knuckle ball may just be the most unpredictable pitch in baseball but right now, it's working for the Mets righthander.
Description: Ronny Cedeno left Saturday's game with a leg injury but the Mets are saying it was just a cramp.
Insight: None of Cedeno's numbers this season (.231, 1 HRs, 7 RBIs) point to him being useful in any fantasy format. But if you do have him, he should be fine to play on Sunday.
Description: Johan Santana threw his first complete game since August 2010 on Saturday against the Padres. Santana allowed just four hits and walked none while striking out five in a 9-0 Mets win.
Insight: Santana (2-2) finally received some run support to pick up his second win of the season. The Mets' lefty has had to accept six no decisions in 10 starts despite carrying a 2.75 ERA and 1.10 WHIP.
Description: Mets No. 2 prospect Matt Harvey won his fifth straight decision on Thursday, allowing two runs on four hits 5 1/3 innings after taking a perfect game into the sixth.
Insight: Harvey has a 4.22 ERA in 10 starts for Triple-A Buffalo. Mets GM Sandy Alderson told SNY that he wants the development of his young pitchers -- Harvey, Jenrry Mejia, Jeurys Familia and Zack Wheeler -- to remain independent of what's going on with the big league club, so we'll have to see if Harvey will make an impact in the majors this season.
Description: Mets manager Terry Collins assured Ike Davis that he will not be sent to the minors, Davis said.
Insight: If there was a minor league for fantasy baseball, Davis would be sent there. Since there isn't, ship him off to the next best thing -- the free agent pool.
Description: Ike Davis won't be in the Mets' starting lineup Thursday against the Padres.
Insight: Davis hasn't been playing against lefthanded starting pitchers recently and San Diego is featuring lefty Eric Stults Thursday night, so this move shouldn't come as much of a surprise.
Description: R.A. Dickey notched a season-high 11 strikeouts Tuesday in New York's 3-2 win over the Pirates.
Insight: Dickey's knuckle ball had Pittsburgh hitters fooled all night. He lasted seven innings, allowing just one run and five hits. The victory was Dickey's sixth of the season and it lowered his ERA to 3.45.
Description: Ike Davis won't start Monday night against the Pirates.
Insight: Expect Davis (.163, 5 HRs, 15 RBIs) to continue to sit against lefthanded starters (lefty Erik Bedard is on the mound for Pittsburgh tonight) until he starts hitting with more consistency.
Description: David Wright played six innings at shortstop on Monday. If that makes him eligible in your league for the new position, then its a huge upgrade in his fantasy value.
Insight: Wright was batting .382 heading into today's game with 32 runs scored, 5 HR, 28 RBI and five stolen bases. He's having a great season and if he become shortstop-eligible he becomes a top-10 fantasy value.
Description: Frank Francisco picked up his 10th save of the season against the Blue Jays on Sunday.
Insight: Francisco has been struggling and his hold on the Mets closer role is tenuous at best, so his owners had to be frustrated when he gave up a walk and a single to start the inning. However, the righty struck out three straight batters to end the game and hold onto the 6-5 win.
Description: According to Adam Rubin of ESPN New York, Ike Davis may be sent to the minors when Jason Bay returns from the disabled list in early June.
Insight: Saying that Davis has struggled this season may be the understatement of the century. The Mets first baseman has been abysmal at the plate, batting .160 with a .518 OPS and a 39/10 K/BB ratio in 38 games.
Description: Mets third baseman David Wright is not in the starting lineup for Saturday's game against Toronto with flu-like symptoms.
Insight: Wright continues to pound the ball, batting .409 with a 1.132 OPS. Justin Turner would start at third, but obviously can't replace his batting statistics.
Description: Jon Niese learned that pitching against the American League is quite different than the National League. Niese was rocked by Toronto on Friday, giving up eight runs on eight hits (four homers) in three innings.
Insight: Niese's ERA skyrocketed to 4.85. Before this start, Niese went 2-1 with a 3.40 ERA, so don't cut him loose based on this outing alone.
Description: Ike Davis isn't listed in the Mets' starting lineup for Friday night's game in Toronto.
Insight: Manager Terry Collins is trying to avoid the lefty/lefty matchup against Blue Jays starter Ricky Romero but Davis (.164, 5 HRs, 14 RBIs) could make a pinch-hitting appearance if Toronto employs a righthanded reliever later in the game.
