Mets infielder Todd Frazier has taken a second important step as he works his way back from a strained oblique.
Frazier, who started "some movements mimicing a swing" on Sunday, has started running, reports NorthJersey.com's Matt Ehalt.
Frazier, who has been out since Feb. 26, received a cortisone shot after the injury was diagnosed, and Mets GM Brodie Van Wagenen said at the time that the MRI that confirmed the injury wasn't "overly alarming."
When discussing the injury on Feb. 26, Frazier said it was one he had never had before, and that he was unsure how long he would be out -- putting his Opening Day status in doubt, just as Jed Lowrie's status for the opener is in doubt.
The expectation before Spring Training began was that Lowrie would play mainly third base, with Frazier shifting to first base.
If Frazier and/or Lowrie remains out through Opening Day, it could have an impact on Pete Alonso or Dominic Smith, with one of them getting the first base job.
As far as other potential ripple effects, Van Wagenen said last week that Jeff McNeil shifting back to third base temporarily could be an option if Lowrie and/or Frazier's injuries linger until Opening Day, but that the plan as of last week was for him to continue to get reps mostly in the outfield, while Adeiny Hechavarria gets more reps at third base.
Another player who could see more playing time (and potentially find himself in a starting role to start the season) if Frazier and/or Lowrie misses opening day is J.D. Davis, whose power is undeniable but whose glove is suspect.