Mets finalize starting rotation ahead of season opener

The New York Mets are finalizing their starting rotation ahead of Opening Day. Manager Carlos Mendoza has not officially announced the lineup but shared updates about the pitchers on Thursday. Clay Holmes will start on Opening Day, while David Peterson and Kodai Senga will stay behind for one more game in the minor leagues. They are expected to pitch Games 4 and 5 during the Mets' series in Miami, following the first series in Houston. Mets officials are considering Tylor Megill and Griffin Canning for the last two games against the Astros. Although neither player has been confirmed for the rotation yet, team officials are leaning towards including them. If Megill is added, Paul Blackburn may shift to the bullpen as a multi-inning reliever. Mendoza praised the performance of Canning, Megill, and Blackburn, noting that the decision on the rotation is not straightforward because each has been playing well. Holmes, who has switched from being a reliever to a starter this spring, is set to make his final Grapefruit League start against the Cardinals. Lefty reliever A.J. Minter still needs to complete one more test before the season. He must pitch twice within three days to secure his roster spot. Mendoza plans to have Minter pitch on Saturday and possibly Monday. Mendoza also mentioned Max Kranick's potential role as an important long reliever for the team. He believes having a reliable bullpen during the early season is crucial as starters gradually build their pitch counts. Kranick's solid performance has put him in a good position for the Opening Day roster.