Jeremy Hefner pulled a nice game out of his back pocket today in the Mets’ 5-2 win over the Braves. There’s no doubt he is competing for a spot in the starting rotation, especially with Santana almost guaranteed to start on the DL. Hefner showed some prowess striking out seven (six of them in a row) and allowing only two runs on five hits in five innings. We’ll have to wait until the last minute as always to get any details about the starting lineup once the season begins, but Hefner is definitely putting in the work. It’s a good sign, unlike Dillon Gee‘s miserable start yesterday.

Lucas Duda also showed some life today with a home run off of Tim Hudson in the second inning. Another good sign. But of course, there’s always the bad news to follow some good news…

David Wright was diagnosed with a moderate left intercostal strain sidelining him for about 3-5 days, according to the Mets. (Well there goes the USA’s chances of making it to the finals) And so begins the line of injuries that usually mark the Mets’ seasons. But I don’t blame Wright or the World Baseball Classic. He was tearing it up out there! And he could have just as easily gotten hurt in Spring Training. Sandy Alderson will not say whether Wright will be healthy enough to start the season at 3rd base- what’s new- but Justin Turner will be the likely candidate to replace Wright if he can’t start on April 1st.

I feel bad for Wright. He was doing an amazing job in the Classic and showing the world exactly what he can do. I doubt he’s going to be winning anything with the Mets anytime soon, so it would have been nice to see him lead the U.S. to victory in this tournament. =(

But Wright is a beast and I know he will make the effort to be in that lineup and on the field come Opening Day!