Mets Notes: Shintaro Fujinami's return, when 2024 Opening Day starter will be announced

Here are the latest Mets notes as spring training rolls on...

When is Shintaro Fujinami expected to return?

Fujinami hasn’t been around the team due to a family matter and a potential visa issue. Manager Carlos Mendoza told the media that he was told the issue was resolved and that the right-hander is expected to be back with the team this week.

As for how long the Mets expect Fujinami will need to get ready to play in a spring training game, they won’t know until he arrives.

“He’s been telling us he’s been doing bullpen while he’s down there but we have to put our eyes on it,” Mendoza said. “He’ll have to throw a bullpen or two, live BP, before we see him in games. And then we’ll go from there. The thing is we have to get him here and start his build-up.”

Jose Quintana and who will be the 2024 Opening Day starter

Quintana will make his spring training debut on Thursday against the Houston Astros. Mendoza said he’s “excited” to see the lefty pitch he and wants to see him compete more than anything else.

The veteran southpaw will throw 35-40 pitches and Tylor Megill will follow.

When asked if Quintana is in line to pitch Opening Day, Mendoza said it’s “too early to tell.” However, Mendoza said the team will announce the Opening Day starter within a week or so.

Mendoza says they are still waiting to see how all of their options like Megill, Quintana, Luis Severino and Adrian Houser pitch and recover before a decision is made.

Mets probables including Mike Vasil and Christian Scott

The Mets announced who will pitch Friday and Saturday and there are some notable names on the list.

Friday will see the spring training debut of Severino when he goes up against the St. Louis Cardinals.

Saturday will have Sean Manaea make his debut with pitching prospects Scott and Vasil also expected to pitch against the Miami Marlins.