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Mets' Vic Black feels fine after mound work

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 games Wednesday, 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.