Marcus Stroman Feels Better This Spring Than Years Past

New York Mets right-hander Marcus Stroman made his second start of Grapefruit League action on Sunday afternoon in the teams 4-4 tie to the Miami Marlins at Clover Park.

After a successful first outing early last week, Stroman got off to a bit of a rough start in this one, but he told reporters postgame he was happy with the overall result.

“I think I got up to 50 pitches, which was awesome for my second outing of the spring. I feel like the more reps I get in the spring, it kind of just propels me into the year and gets me healthier and my arm strength up,” Stroman said.

With one out in the top of the first, Jorge Alfaro blooped single, followed by a Lewis Brinson hit by pitch. Lewin Diaz then lined an RBI single to right center, and two pitches later Brinson came in to score on a wild pitch to make it 2-0 Marlins after one.

Stroman then bounced back with a 1-2-3 second inning, including a Jazz Chisholm strikeout. Isan Diaz tripled to leadoff the third, but Stroman was ultimately helped out by his defense (and the umps), and rolled a double play ball to escape the inning unscathed.

Overall, the righty lasted three innings and allowed just the two runs on three hits, while walking one and striking out two. Stroman said no matter the result in these games, the main focus is to get the reps in.

“The most important thing during spring is getting your reps in and feeling your body. Really not going out there trying to strike the world out or trying to get results. It’s more about making your body and putting it in the best possible position so when we start games April 1 it’s ready to roll.”

Heading into the 2021 season, Stroman said that he is ready to go out and compete and feels way better this spring compared to years past.

“I’ve never seen 93 or 94 this early in spring ever. I think that’s a testament to my trainer, the workouts, and putting everything I can into my body and my mind.” Stroman said, “I’m just excited man, to go out and compete this year, my body’s in a great place.”

As currently constructed, Stroman is slotted in behind Jacob deGrom and Carlos Carrasco in the Mets’ starting rotation. A big season from the right-hander could go a very long way for the 2021 New York Mets.

The post Marcus Stroman Feels Better This Spring Than Years Past first appeared on Metsmerized Online.