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          New York Mets

          Mets' Vic Black feels fine after mound work

          • Adam Rubin, ESPN Staff WriterMar 28, 2015, 12:06 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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          PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. -- New York Mets pitcher Vic Black threw 24 pitches off a mound Saturday and expressed hope the team will let him begin the season on the Opening Day roster. Still, days are dwindling for Black to be ready.

          Black, who was dealing with an impingement and weakness in his throwing shoulder, said he plans to return to the mound Monday for another bullpen session.

          He hopes the Mets will let him throw in a Grapefruit League game on Wednesday and then in Texas on Friday and Saturday, and be active on April 6 in Washington. He understands a more conservative track might be more likely, though. That could include a backdated disabled-list stint and missing the season-opening road trip.

          Black hasn't appeared in a game since March 9.

          "I'm good with what they end up deciding to do, but the joy here is that my arm feels great, which means I can help the team out when the time comes," Black said.

          Said manager Terry Collins: "He'd have to make huge strides fast. I don't see him facing hitters until Wednesday. So how many innings can you get him in four games?"