Vargas (hand) began his throwing progression Friday, Matt Ehalt of The Bergen Record reports.

EDGE Analysis

Vargas will need surgery on his glove hand for a non-displaced fracture, though his throwing arm is just fine. He could return to the mound well before the six-week recovery timeline is complete with a modified glove, though he may miss at least one turn in the rotation.

Vargas, who is slated to undergo surgery Tuesday to repair his fractured right (non-throwing) hand, said that he hasn't been formally ruled out for his first scheduled turn through the rotation this season, Mike Puma of the New York Post reports.

EDGE Analysis

Per Tim Britton of The Athletic New York, Vargas expects that it will take six weeks until his right hand feels completely normal. However, the 35-year-old indicated he wouldn't necessarily be sidelined that long since he could be cleared to pitch with extra padding in his glove to protect the surgically repaired hand. Even so, it seems rather unlikely that Vargas would be available when the Mets first require a fifth starter April 4 against the Phillies, so Zack Wheeler looks like the leading candidate to enter the rotation for at least one turn. Once Vargas is comfortable with any modifications he may need for his glove, he shouldn't require much additional time to build up his arm. Vargas was able to complete a side session Monday, though he was unable to receive the ball back from the catcher, according to James Wagner of The New York Times.

Vargas (hand) is scheduled for surgery Tuesday.

EDGE Analysis

Vargas was diagnosed with a non-displaced fracture of his hamate bone following a CT scan, and will have surgery to repair the injury Tuesday. He's expected to resume his throwing program just five days after the surgery. Although he'll begin throwing again rather quickly, the Mets have yet to issue a timetable for his return and it seems likely that he'll begin the regular season on the disabled list. Steven Matz and Zack Wheeler should make the Opening Day rotation if this is the case.

The Mets revealed Sunday that Vargas was diagnosed with a non-displaced fracture of the hamate bone in his right (non-pitching) hand following a recent CT scan, James Wagner of The New York Times reports.

EDGE Analysis

Vargas is scheduled to visit a specialist later Sunday for further evaluation of the injury, with the Mets likely to issue a timetable for his recovery shortly thereafter. Though Vargas will likely face a less arduous rehab than if the fracture had occurred on his pitching hand, he could still be at risk of opening the season on the disabled list due to the complications his injury might present in the field and as a hitter. If Vargas is shut down for a spell, it would likely open the door for both Steven Matz and Zack Wheeler to crack the Opening Day rotation.

Vargas (hand) was sent for a follow-up CT scan Saturday after X-rays were negative, Tim Healey of Newsday reports.

EDGE Analysis

He was hit by a comebacker on his glove (right) hand, and while X-rays suggest it is just a bruise, the Mets gave him another exam to get more clarity. So far it doesn't sound as though Vargas' status for the start of the season is in doubt, but it will be worth monitoring until he is able to get back in game action.

Vargas's X-ray on his glove hand was negative Friday, Matt Ehalt of The Bergen Record reports.

EDGE Analysis

Vargas was hit in his glove hand by a comebacker in a minor-league game on Friday. He did not break a bone and is considered day-to-day. He should be fine by Opening Day.

Vargas received X-rays on his glove hand after being hit by a comebacker in a minor-league game Friday, Matt Ehalt of The Bergen Record reports.

EDGE Analysis

Vargas appears to be a lock for a rotation spot, though the Mets' injury bug may have bit him in an unusual way. It's not clear how long Vargas would be out for if he broke a bone on his non-throwing hand. More information should be available after the X-ray results are known.

Vargas is expected to open the season in the Mets' rotation, despite making his most recent Grapefruit League appearance out of the bullpen, Matt Ehalt of The Bergen Record reports.

EDGE Analysis

It appears that Vargas was only moved to the bullpen March 11 against the Astros to stay on his normal pitching schedule while Jacob deGrom (back) was reintegrated in the rotation for his spring debut. Vargas still ended up throwing 36 pitches in the outing, so he'll presumably inch closer to the 50-pitch mark in his next appearance, which is expected to come Friday versus the Orioles. After inking a two-year contract with the Mets this winter, Vargas should enjoy some temporary security in the rotation, but he'll likely need to perform respectably early in the season to avoid surrendering his spot to the loser of the two pitchers battling for the No. 5 starting role, Zack Wheeler and Steven Matz.

Vargas pitched four innings out of the bullpen in Sunday's Grapefruit League game against the Astros, allowing one run on four hits and three walks while striking out five.

EDGE Analysis

After signing a two-year, $16 million deal in the offseason it's been presumed that Vargas was locked into a rotation spot for the Mets, but with Zack Wheeler and Steven Matz both looking good in recent spring outings, it's curious timing for the veteran lefty to get his work out of the 'pen. Vargas hasn't made a relief appearance in a major-league game since 2009, though, and in all likelihood he'll still begin the season in the rotation. He hasn't been consistently sharp in camp, but Vargas' 9:4 K:BB through 8.2 spring innings does harken back to the shocking 28.9 percent strikeout rate he posted in March and April of last season before falling back to earth.

Vargas agreed to a two-year, $16 million contract with the Mets on Friday, Jerry Crasnick of ESPN.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

The deal will also include a club option for 2020, with incentives up to $1.5 million each season based on innings pitched. This will provide the Mets' rotation with a little more stability, as Vargas was able to make 32 starts last year after coming off Tommy John surgery in July of 2015 which cost him basically all of the 2016 season. He posted a 4.16 ERA and 1.33 WHIP over 179.2 innings with the Royals during his age-34 season, although it was truly a tale of two halves, with the southpaw struggling to a 6.38 ERA over his final 15 starts after the All-Star break. Playing in Citi Field should help address his propensity to give up home runs but a mediocre 6.7 K/9 doesn't inspire too much confidence. Look for Vargas to earn a spot at the back of the rotation.