Noteworthy items during the Mets’ Grapefruit League action on Thursday:
Much better
Jose Quintana, the front-runner for Opening Day starter, allowed one unearned run on four hits in three innings while striking out six during the Mets’ 3-1 win over the Nationals.
“Way better today,” Quintana said after bouncing back from a rough Grapefruit League debut. “That was good. Feels like I’m progressing.”
Flag on the play
Joey Wendle was called for interference while attempting to cover second base on a pickoff play.
The league is empowering umpires to call obstruction against infielders who impede a runner’s direct path to the base, and Wendle was ruled to have blocked Ildemaro Vargas from returning to second base. Vargas was awarded third base.
Caught my eye
Francisco Alvarez did everything. Behind the plate, the 22-year-old went 3-for-3 in throwing out would-be base-stealers.
At the plate, Alvarez went 1-for-2 with a 408-foot home run to left field.
Friday’s schedule
Luis Severino will get the start when the Mets play the Marlins at 6:40 p.m. in Jupiter, Fla.