Murphy expects to be ready for Opening Day

PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. -- The Mets held Daniel Murphy and David Wright out of the first week of Grapefruit League games in an effort to keep both healthy for April. It didn't work.

Murphy sat out Thursday's game against the Braves with a sore right calf, which has bothered him for most of the week. But the second baseman does not believe he is in jeopardy of missing Opening Day.

"It's just a little sore, so we'll play it safe and try to get it healthy right now," Murphy said. "That's what Spring Training's for. You get your reps in, but you want to be healthy for the season as well."

Murphy, who missed most of last spring with a right intercostal strain, noted that he only received 10 at-bats in three games that March. He went on to have his best season, batting .286 with 13 home runs and 23 stolen bases.

This year, Murphy has already received 14 at-bats in five spring games.

"So I'm way ahead of schedule," he quipped.