Mets' Marcos Molina: Sharp in spring opener

Molina pitched two shutout innings Friday in the Mets' Grapefruit League opener against the Red Sox, Anthony DiComo of MLB.com reports. He retired Andrew Benintendi, Hanley Ramirez and Jackie Bradley in order in the fourth inning.

Analysis:

The Mets' No. 9 prospect in RotoWire's rankings, Molina missed all of last season recovering from Tommy John surgery, but it looks like all systems are go heading into 2017. The 21-year-old will need to stay healthy to capitalize on the upside suggested by his raw stuff, including a plus changeup and a fastball that touched 96 mph prior to his surgery. Look for the Mets to limit his workload this season, but a strong showing could put him in line for a 2018 big league debut.