Alderson: Mets need work on ‘D’
New York president says Pillar, Almora Jr. will help
New York Mets president Sandy Alderson says he is emphasizing offense over defense but Kevin Pillar and Albert Almora Jr. were brought in to help with their gloves.
“While some of our players aren’t defensive geniuses, we think that the overall blend that we have is pretty good,” Alderson said during an interview on the ESPN telecast of Thursday’s 8-4 win over Washington in Port St. Lucie, Fla.
Washington stole three bases off new Mets catcher Brian Mccann, two by Victor Robles. Brandon Nimmo was picked off by Jackson Rutledge.
New York’s 32 errors were 10th among the 30 teams last year.
Lou Gehrig Day: Major League Baseball will hold its first Lou Gehrig Day on June 2, adding Gehrig to Jackie Robinson and Roberto Clemente to the short list of players honored throughout the big leagues. Each home team will have “4-ALS” logos in ballparks to mark Gehrig’s No. 4, and all players, managers and coaches will wear a Lou Gehrig Day patch on uniforms and may use red “4-ALS” wristbands.
Boone released: Yankees manager Aaron Boone was discharged from St. Joseph’s Hospital on Thursday, a day after having a pacemaker installed. Boone is on a leave of absence from the Yankees.
Brewers: Free-agent outfielder Jackie Bradley
Jr. is joining Milwaukee, agreeing to the parameters of a $24 million, two-year contract.
Mets 8, Nationals 4: A spring training grand slam was special for the Mets’ Pete Alonso. The 2019 NL Rookie of the Year hit an opposite-field home run to right-center off Cole Henry in the fifth inning. And he hit the slam with some special fans in the seats at Clover Park. “Big shout out — happy birthday, mom!” Alonso said of his mother Michelle, who was at the ballpark with dad Peter. Nimmo led off the game with his first home run. David Peterson allowed one hit in two shutout innings . ... Mets
pitcher Seth Lugo is on track to resume throwing around opening day as the right-hander recovers from elbow surgery.
Orioles 6, Red Sox (6): No. 2 starter Dean Kremer struggled in his first outing for Baltimore, yielding three runs, three hits and two walks while retiring five batters. Jarren Duran, Boston’s No. 2 outfield prospect, hit his second home run and his second double.
Phillies 15, Yankees 0 (8): Alex Bohm hit a three-run homer off Albert Abreu. Deivi Garcia allowed a pair of solo homers.