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Spring Training 2017: Mets finally get encouraging news on Zack Wheeler

Mark Townsend
·Yahoo Sports Contributor
Mets right-hander pitcher Zack Wheeler is hoping to put his arm troubles behind him. (AP)
Mets right-hander pitcher Zack Wheeler is hoping to put his arm troubles behind him. (AP)

Welcome to The Stew’s Spring Headlines, our daily look at the biggest MLB stories and news items from around spring training. Here you’ll find a quick recap of all the day’s action and other fun stuff from around the internet that we think is worth your time.

GOOD NEWS: The Mets have long awaited good news on right-hander Zack Wheeler. They finally got some on Wednesday. After completing a live batting practice session without any setbacks, the 26-year-old right-hander is now on track to make his Grapefruit League debut on March 10.

Wheeler had missed time early in camp with elbow discomfort. That was especially concerning he hasn’t pitched in a major league game since 2014 after undergoing Tommy John surgery in May of the following year. His 2016 season was marred by several setbacks that started out as discomfort and lingered. Fortunately, it appears he’s over that hump, but there are still physical and mental hurdle that need to be cleard. [@AnthonyDiComo]

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SECOND OPINION: In other Mets news, David Wright is headed for a second opinion on his right shoulder. The initial diagnosis of a shoulder impingement would sideline him for two weeks. Regardless of what he learns from this doctor’s visit, Wright is considered a long shot for opening day. [@JoeSherman1]

UPHILL BATTLE: Dodgers left-hander Hyun-Jin Ryu is finally making progress after two years filled with injuries and setbacks. His latest ailment was discomfort in his left side, but he’s reportedly to face live hitters on Saturday, which would be a big step. Ryu has made just one big league appearance over the past two seasons due to shoulder issues. [@kengurnick]

YOU’RE THE MAN: The Arizona Diamondbacks officially named Zack Greinke their opening day starter. It’s the obvious choice, of course. Despite Greinke’s down season in 2016 and the trade rumors that emerged during the offseason, he remains the team’s clear No. 1 starter. [@SteveGilbertMLB]

DANCE, GRANDPA: Former Cubs catcher David Ross was announced as the first baseball player to compete on ABC’s “Dancing with the Stars.” [The Stew]

CLOSER BATTLE: Manager Dusty Baker had hoped the Nationals would acquire a notable closer this season. The addition of Joe Blanton will help to bolster the ranks, but Baker is still looking to hold a competition in spring training before committing to one guy. [MASN]

DIPOTO STRIKES AGAIN: The Mariners have acquired right-hander Chase De Jong from the Dodgers in exchange for minor-league infielder Drew Jackson and right-hander Aneurys Zabala. That marks Seattle general manager Jerry Dipoto’s 40th trade since being hired in 2015[@MarinersPR]

MINOR DEAL: The Tigers have agreed to a minor-league deal with Cuban prospect Luis Valdes. The 28-year-old shortstop is exempt from the international bonus pools. [Baseball America]

TOUGH BLOW: Twins 2016 first-round pick Alex Kirilloff is set to undergo Tommy John surgery on March 8. The outfielder hurt his elbow on a throw back on Aug. 28 and has been unable to recover. [@RhettBollinger]

WBC PREVIEW: Everything you need to know about the two-time World Baseball Classic champions from Japan. [The Stew]

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Mark Townsend is a writer for Big League Stew on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at bigleaguestew@yahoo.com or follow him on Twitter!