Dillon Gee Named Mets' Opening Day Starter
PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. (CBSNewYork/AP) — Dillon Gee will start the New York Mets' opener at home against Washington on March 31.
Mets manager Terry Collins informed Gee of the decision Monday.
"It's a big honor," Gee said. "I'm very thankful for that opportunity, but really I've just got to take it like any other game. It's just one of 30-something starts I hope to get this year, but it's definitely a big honor."
Gee went 12-11 with a 3.62 ERA in 32 starts last year, when he had a 6.34 ERA after eight weeks and almost lost his spot in the rotation. He had a 2.71 ERA during the final four months.
"He had one of the best second halves in baseball last year, so it doesn't surprise me," Mets captain David Wright said. "He deserves it. The way he finished up last year, it's well deserved. I'm extremely happy for Dillon."
Gee is 1-0 with 1.69 ERA in three exhibition starts with eight strikeouts and no walks.
"I don't think about where I've come from in the last year," Gee said. "I'm just going to keep going forward. That's where I'm at."
Jonathon Niese was expected to be the Mets' opening-day starter for the second straight year, but he has been sidelined by shoulder and elbow injuries. Niese threw off a mound Monday for the first time since receiving a cortisone shot on March 17 and is hoping to be ready by April 6.
"It's kind of by default, too," Gee conceded. "I mean Jon Niese has a few setbacks, he can't make opening day, so I get it. It's a big honor. I've definitely worked my way up. I just try to work hard and go out there and try to win games. To be out there on March 31 will be pretty cool."
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