DIVISIONAL OUTLOOK: NL East—Health concerns for Mets SPs

New York Mets

With Johan Santana (LHP, NYM) and Shaun Marcum (RHP, NYM) both facing some Opening Day uncertainty due to shoulder issues, it is a good idea to become familiar with their potential replacements. At this point, the leading candidates appear to be Jeremy Hefner (RHP, NYM) and Collin McHugh (RHP, NYM).

Hefner served as a swingman as a rookie last year, making 13 starts in 26 appearances totaling 93.2 IP, and would presumably get the nod if a fill-in starter is needed. The 26-year-old’s 4.35 xERA and 83 BPV show that he was not as bad as his 5.09 ERA would lead you to believe. With a fastball that lives around 90 mph and secondary pitches that do not generate a lot of swings and misses, he needs to exhibit good control...

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