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          New York Mets

          Vic Black 'right on the cusp' of Opening Day readiness

          • Adam Rubin, ESPN Staff WriterMar 26, 2015, 04:08 PM ET
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              Adam Rubin has covered the Mets since 2003. He's a graduate of Mepham High School on Long Island and the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. He joined ESPNNewYork after spending 10 years at the New York Daily News.
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          VIERA, Fla. -- New York Mets general manager Sandy Alderson has expressed pessimism about reliever Vic Black avoiding a season-opening DL stint. Still, pitching coach Dan Warthen expressed more confidence Thursday that Black can be ready for the start of the season.

          Black has been sidelined for nearly two weeks with what the Mets have labeled "shoulder weakness."

          Black has thrown on flat ground the past two days, at distances up to 120 feet, and "he felt great," Warthen said.

          The reliever, who was treated with anti-inflammatory medication, has yet to resume throwing off a mound.

          Warthen described Black as being "right on the cusp" of being available from Opening Day. Black is slated to be one of the bullpen's primary setup men.