NL East Notebook: Syndergaard loses his lunch; Fernandez returns to the hill
Every Thursday, theScore's MLB editors will bring you a roundup of everything you need to know from around the division with the NL East Notebook.
Atlanta Braves
Plenty of new faces. Braves general manager John Hart made nine trades, signed seven major-league free agents and inked 21 players to minor-league pacts this winter, so there are so many new faces at Braves camp this year. So many that closer Craig Kimbrel went out and purchased T-shirts that read, "Hello, my name is ..."
(Courtesy: Jayson Stark/ESPN)
New digs. Atlanta fans might not be optimistic about the team's chances this year, but they're certainly looking forward to 2017 when the club move into its new stadium - SunTrust Park. The new ballpark in Cobb County is now projected to cost the team $1.1 billion with the surrounding mixed-use development. Check out some of the new construction renderings here.
Washington Nationals
Interesting day for Nats. On Wednesday, manager Matt Williams let flamethrower Stephen Strasburg take the hill and gave his players an open invite to try and tee off on the righty during a live batting practice session.
Naturally, Bryce Harper was up for the challenge, setting up an epic showdown between the two former No. 1 picks. Strasburg won the battle, however, holding Harper to only one hit on 10 pitches.
(Courtesy: MLB.com)
Scherzer's spring debut. Nationals fans are looking forward to the team's spring opener Thursday, when they'll get their first look at Max Scherzer, who inked a lucrative seven-year, $210-million deal this winter. The right-hander is expected to toss two innings or 45 pitches.
New York Mets
Lunchtime dispute. There's no shortage of news coming out of Mets' camp this week. David Wright scolded Noah Syndergaard for eating lunch in the clubhouse during an intrasquad game when he was supposed to be supporting his teammates on the bench. Closer Bobby Parnell backed up Wright by grabbing Syndergaard's plate and throwing it in the trash in an attempt to teach the young hurler a lesson. Wright later issued an apology after the media caught wind and it became a huge story.
Murphy's unpopular views. As if there wasn't enough drama for one week, Daniel Murphy shared his strong opinion on homosexuality. The infielder said he disagrees with the gay lifestyle after the team hosted Billy Bean, a former big leaguer who came out after retiring, to talk at the team's spring facility. A Mets spokesman did some damage control Wednesday, stating Murphy will no longer be talking about the issue with reporters.
Miami Marlins
K-Rod almost a Marlin. The Marlins made a two-year, $10-million offer to closer Francisco Rodriguez, according to CBS Sports' Jon Heyman. The veteran righty instead opted for a two-year, $13-million pact to remain in Milwaukee.
Fernandez back from surgery. In other pitcher-related news, Jose Fernandez is back! Well, not quite. But he did throw off a mound for the first time since May as he continues to rehab from Tommy John surgery.
July 16 still remains his target date for a return to action.
Philadelphia Phillies
Utley misses time. A sore ankle will keep second baseman Chase Utley out of spring action for at least a week. The veteran sustained the injury when he stepped on a baseball during a mid-January workout. Utley didn't play a spring training game in 2011 or 2012 due a degenerative knee issue.
Starters to be traded? The trade rumors surrounding Cole Hamels just won't go away. The Red Sox still appear to be a potential trade partner and Phillies personnel have been spotted at Boston's spring facility to scout some of the Red Sox's young talent. Veteran starter Cliff Lee also appears to be on the trade block.