With Santana not ready to start the season, Collins said that Aaron Laffey might also get a look as a potential starter before spring training is over.

WSJ: Lucas Duda homers in Mets' win over Braves

Chamberlain had been mentioned in trade gossip, and he'd growled in spring training about being a starter, episodes that only reminded how much his status had slipped.

WSJ: Jason Gay | Requiem for the Joba Mustache

Mets starter Matt Harvey finished his spring on a high note, giving up three hits and no runs in four innings.

WSJ: Mets' Wright makes first appearance in 2 weeks

In March, Kelly announced Gunner Kiel, one of the top-rated quarterbacks coming out of high school a year ago, was leaving before even trying to challenge Golson for the starter's job during spring practice.

NPR: Golson Suspended For Poor Academic Judgment

Marcum, a winter free-agent singing, isn't the first Mets starter to have health issues this spring.

WSJ: Pena hits 4th homer but Astros lose to Mets 7-5

He made the team's bullpen out of spring training, but he still pitches like a starter, mixing all of his pitches to great success, said catcher Chris Stewart.

WSJ: Matt Harvey's Yankee Buddy

Mets starter Shaun Marcum, who has not pitched since the spring opener on Feb. 23, will pitch in a minor league game in Jupiter on Tuesday.

WSJ: Harvey gives up homer to Yelich; Mets, Marlins tie

On the pitching side, fourth starter Hughes is likely to miss the first days of spring, meaning David Phelps and Ivan Nova should slide into the fourth and fifth spots in the rotation, postponing their battle over the final rotation spot, for the time being.

WSJ: Yankees Facing Multiple-Choice Test