Mostly healthy Mets primed for Opening Day

PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. -- With Opening Day set for Thursday against the Cardinals at Citi Field, the Mets have little left to accomplish. Their roster is all but set. They broke camp mostly healthy. They are as primed as they can be heading into the regular season.
Opening Day is, of course, only one game, and new manager Mickey Callaway has cautioned that the Mets' lineup will be fluid throughout this season; most of their bench options will play major roles. The Mets know they will need more than 13 position players, five starters and seven relievers over the course of the summer.
Opening Day is, however, also symbolic. With that in mind, here's a look at where the Mets stand heading into Thursday's opener.
Official Opening Day lineup

1. Brandon Nimmo, CF
   
2. Yoenis Céspedes, LF
   
3. Jay Bruce, RF
   
4. Asdrúbal Cabrera, 2B
   
5. Todd Frazier, 3B
   
6. Adrián González, 1B
   
7. Kevin Plawecki, C
   
8. Noah Syndergaard, P
   
9. Amed Rosario, SS
   Key roles
   • Although Nimmo will lead off on Opening Day, that job is likely to belong to Michael Conforto once he returns from the disabled list.
   • Jeurys Familia is the Mets' nominal closer, but AJ Ramos, Jerry Blevins and Anthony Swarzak could also receive save chances as the Mets look to find ideal matchups for their relievers.
   • Don't expect Gonzalez to start more than four or five times per week at first base. Wilmer Flores will receive plenty of reps there, even against right-handed pitchers. The Mets will also split time at catcher between Plawecki and Travis d'Arnaud, and Juan Lagares will see chances in center field.

Injury updates
• Originally targeting a May 1 return, Conforto is prepared to beat that goal by a significant margin. Although the Mets haven't set a date for Conforto, who will open the year in extended spring training, a mid- or even early-April return is possible.

• Jason Vargas was set to make the Mets' rotation before a line drive struck his glove, fracturing a bone in his right hand. Vargas underwent surgery to remove the damaged bone and will miss his first start, but he could return as soon as his second or third rotation turn.
• Never a factor during Spring Training, first baseman Dominic Smith appeared in just one game before a strained right quad sidelined him. Once he's healthy, Smith will report to Triple-A Las Vegas, trying to earn his way back to the Majors.