PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. _ The Mets have resolved to take advantage of the extra time in spring training because of the World Baseball Classic.
The extra cushion will allow the Mets to delay the Grapefruit League debuts of projected starting pitchers, a measure to protect the health of top arms. It also will provide more time for third baseman David Wright to ease into more baseball activities in hopes of being ready for Opening Day.
"I know most of these guys probably hate it," said Wright, coming off neck surgery. "But it's beneficial for me because I get a chance to kind of take baby steps, where we have a little bit of extra time to ramp it up this year."
Wright threw Sunday for the first time since surgery in June and is scheduled to throw again Tuesday. For now, he said he will throw every other day "for the very short term" as he regains strength in his shoulder.
Meanwhile, manager Terry Collins said the team's projected major-league starters won't appear in Grapefruit League games until near the end of the first week.
Right-hander Seth Lugo will start the exhibition opener against the Red Sox in Fort Myers, Fla., on Friday. Left-hander Sean Gilmartin starts the home opener Saturday. When the Tigers visit Sunday, the starter will be righty Chris Flexen, who spent last season in high Class A St. Lucie.
