New Mets reliever A.J. Minter talked about his offseason of change, mentioning that while Atlanta holds a close place in his heart, he is “here to beat them,” per Manny Gómez of NJ.com. A hectic offseason, which has included rehab from hip surgery, found himself landing in a rival town, moving from Atlanta to Queens. In the article, Minter also mentioned that he plans on throwing four more bullpens before he graduates to facing hitters. 

Mady Mertens-USA TODAY Sports

Latest Mets News

It will be Clay Holmes going against Ryan Gusto of the Houston Astros in the Mets’ Grapefruit League opener on Saturday. Click here for more on the pitching matchup.

Will Sammon and Tim Britton of The Athletic went into depth on how the Mets’ reinvigorated hitting lab could help spur development amongst all levels.

Frankie Montas told reporters that he’s “feeling pretty good” after getting a PRP shot yesterday, per SNY.

The Mets signed right-handed pitcher Connor Overton to a minor league deal, per Mike Mayer of Metsmerized Online. Overton had a 4.85 ERA in 59 MLB innings from 2021-2023.

Matt Allan is healthy and expects to be pitching for a minor-league affiliate when camp breaks, per Will Sammon of The Athletic. This would be the first time Allan has appeared in a game since 2019.

Carlos Mendoza said that he’s currently leaning towards hitting Francisco Lindor leadoff and Juan Soto second in the lineup, per SNY. To learn more about the lineup decision, click here!

Over the course of the season, the Mets will hold 13 theme nights, they will also feature four games with additional specialty ticket package items via special event ticket purchase.

The Mets are showing interest in bringing back José Quintana, per Pat Ragazzo of Mets on SI. For more on the report, click here.

Latest MLB News

Outfielder Lawrence Butler and the A’s are in talks on a contract extension, per Evan Drellich of The Athletic. The former sixth-round pick posted a .262/.317/.490 slash line with 22 homers in 125 games last season. 

The ABS challenge system will be in use during spring training and Anthony Castrovince of MLB.com broke down how the system works.

The Colorado Rockies signed left-handed pitcher Scott Alexander to a one-year deal.

Dustin May revealed that his season ending emergency esophagus surgery was due to his tearing his esophagus while eating a salad, per Jack Harris of The LA Times.

Latest on MMO

It seems like Francisco Lindor will lead off for the Mets yet again in 2025.

The Mets are showing interest in bringing José Quintana back.

Met hitters are embracing the recent lab study.

On This Date in Mets History

2021: The Mets and Taijuan Walker agree to a two-year, $20 million deal. Walker would appear an All-Star game while posting a 3.98 ERA as a Met.

2003: The Mets sign Tony Clark to a minor league deal.

Born on This Date: Luis Severino (1994), Justin Verlander (1983), Liván Hernández (1975), Shane Spencer (1972), Phil Lombardi (1963).

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The Mets, who are hosting their first version of fan fest in nearly five years on Saturday, released their star-studded lineup for the day. Amazin’ Day, where fans will be able to hear from and meet current and former Mets players, will have some of the biggest names in the franchise’s history available. Some of those names include Mike Piazza, Francisco Lindor, Juan Soto, Mookie Wilson, Edwin Díaz, Mark Vientos, and Brandon Nimmo. It should be an exciting day in Queens as the club will also be releasing its new road uniforms for the 2025 season.

Brad Penner-Imagn Images

Latest Mets News

Jeff McNeil says he’s “a little surprised” Pete Alonso is still a free agent and hopes his “good buddy” re-signs with the Mets, per Anthony Rieber of Newsday.

The Mets announced that they will be revealing a brand new road jersey at Mets “Amazin’ Day” on Saturday. 

Latest MLB News

Former Phillies general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. will launch a hitting competition called “Sluggball”, per The AP. The competition will focus entirely on situational hitting, with no fielding or running required.

The Los Angeles Dodgers are shopping some of their surplus of players in order to get add their new acquisitions to the 40-man roster, per Bob Nightengale of USA Today. One player possibly on the chopping block is reliever Ryan Brasier, who is owed $4.5 million this season. 

On MLB Network, Jon Heyman of the NY Post went into detail on how the Toronto Blue Jays could be an ideal destination for former Cy Young Award winner Max Scherzer.

Former all-star shortstop Tim Anderson signed a minor league deal with the Los Angeles Angels, per Bob Nightengale of USA Today. 

The Cleveland Guardians signed former Met Paul Sewald to a one-year, $7 million deal with a mutual option for 2026.

The Oakland Athletics hired former World Series MVP and Athletics Hall of Famer Dave Stewart as a Special Assistant to Player Development for the 2025 season.

MLB Network will broadcast the 2025 Caribbean Series in English starting January 31.

Former Seattle Mariners pitching coach Bobby Cuellar passed away at 72 years old. 

Infielder Jon Berti agreed to a deal with the Chicago Cubs on a contract, per Robert Murray of FanSided.

Latest on MMO

David Wright stays on the HOF ballot!

Billy Wagner finally gets the call!

Four Mets prospects land on Baseball America’s top 100 list.

On This Date in Mets History

1975: Ralph Kiner is selected to the National Baseball Hall of Fame in his final year of eligibility.

Born on This Date: Robert Carson (1989), Charlie Greene (1971), Bob Moorhead (1938).

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Commissioner Rob Manfred

“For multiple generations of baseball fans, Rickey Henderson was the gold standard of base stealing and leadoff hitting. Rickey was one of the most accomplished and beloved Athletics of all time. He also made an impact with many other clubs during a quarter-century career like no other. He epitomized speed, power and entertainment in setting the tone at the top of the lineup. When we considered new rules for the game in recent years, we had the era of Rickey Henderson in mind.

Rickey earned universal respect, admiration and awe from sports fans. On behalf of Major League Baseball, I send my deepest condolences to Rickey’s family, his friends and former teammates, A’s fans and baseball fans everywhere.”

Dave Stewart, childhood friend, World Champion teammate with Athletics

“I can’t explain what someone who was present in every memory, childhood to today, means to me, or what it means to cope with having no more tomorrows alongside him. Rickey Henderson was the best ballplayer many know, but that is nothing in comparison to the brother he is to me.”

Mike Piazza, Hall of Famer, teammate with Mets

“Rickey Henderson was a dream to hit behind as a teammate and a nightmare for a catcher as an opponent. He was one of the most generous, hysterical and gracious human beings. He will be sorely missed. Prayers for his soul and family.”

Dave Winfield, Hall of Famer, teammate with Yankees

“I truly cannot believe I’ve lost one of my favorite teammates and great friend Rickey Henderson. Rest in peace.”

José Canseco, teammate with Athletics

“I’m heartbroken and devastated. Rickey Henderson was an incredibly talented player but an even better human. I’ll never forget all the incredible memories we created together. Memories I’ll never forget. Rest easy my friend.”

Dennis Eckersley, Hall of Famer, teammate with Athletics

“I’m very sad about the loss of my friend, teammate and fellow Hall of Famer. We were two Bay Area boys. I was proud to play with him. He was the greatest player I ever played with. I cherished our recent times together both in Cooperstown and at the Oakland Coliseum. My condolences to his family.”

Bobby Valentine, Mets manager, 1996-2002

“It was an honor to be in the same uniform with Rickey Henderson. He was the most entertaining and dynamic player I ever saw. RIP Rickey. You were the greatest!”

Darren Yamashita-USA TODAY Sports

Sandy Alderson, baseball executive with Mets, A’s and Padres

“I traded Rickey Henderson twice and brought him back more times than that. He was the best player I ever saw play. He did it all,  hit, hit for power, stole bases and defended,  and he did it with a flair that enthused his fans and infuriated his opponents. But everyone was amused by his personality, style and third-person references to himself. He was unique in many ways. Rickey stories are legion, legendary and mostly true. But behind his reputation as self-absorbed was a wonderful, kind human being who loved kids. His true character became more evident over time. Nine different teams, one unforgettable player. Sandy gonna miss Rickey.”

Willie Randolph, teammate with Yankees

“People always ask me who was the best player I’ve played with. I played with so many tremendous players through the years that I hate picking just one. But pound for pound, Rickey Henderson was the greatest player I ever played with. He possessed so many talents that could positively impact the outcome of a game. I’m going to cherish the memories Rickey and I shared together. He was a special man.”

Buck Showalter, former Mets manager

“I played against Rickey when he was with Jersey City in the Eastern League in 1978. He batted .310 but didn’t hit a home run in 133 games. People don’t realize how dedicated he was to being the best he could be. He took great care of his body and was ahead of his time in nutrition and conditioning. In my opinion, he was the best leadoff hitter of all time.

“He was in my first big league camp, and my first time throwing to big-league hitters was to his batting group. He had a strike zone the size of a thimble, and I had never seen anyone run the way he did, with powerful strides that were fluid and violent at the same time. As a young coach working with the outfielders, Rickey laughed easily and made me feel comfortable. I can’t believe he’s gone. He was one of a kind.”

Associated Press file photos

Billy Wagner, former Mets reliever

“RIP, there will never be anyone like Rickey Henderson. I’m in pure shock. Grew up wanting to be Rickey. Played against him and he was our Mets 1B coach. Truly a great player but a tremendous person. Thank you for Rickey Time.”

Jerry Blevins, former Mets, A’s reliever

“Rickey Henderson was an incredible man. A legend who was so much more approachable than his image would have you think. From playing cards in the clubhouse to picking his Hall of Fame mind about holding runners, Rickey would share his wealth of knowledge with ease. RIP Rickey.”

Pamela Henderson

“It is with profound sadness that we share the passing of my husband, Rickey Henderson. A legend on and off the field, Rickey was a devoted son, dad, friend, grandfather, brother, uncle and a truly humble soul. Rickey lived his life with integrity, and his love for baseball was paramount. Now, Rickey is at peace with the Lord, cherishing the extraordinary moments and achievements he leaves behind.”

The National Baseball Hall of Fame

The Man of Steal … and so much more.

• 1,406 stolen bases –  1st all-time
• 2,129 unintentional walks – 1st all-time
• 2,295 runs scored – 1st all-time
• 81 leadoff home runs – 1st all time

The post The Baseball World Continues To Mourn Rickey Henderson appeared first on Metsmerized Online.

Henderson was born December 25, 1958, in Chicago. He later moved to Oakland at age seven, where he grew up a fan of the Oakland Raiders. Henderson played football, baseball, and ran track at Oakland Technical High School, and decided to go the baseball route after some wise advice from his mother.

Darren Yamashita-USA TODAY Sports

Nicknamed the Man of the Steal, Henderson had a historic career over his 25 years in Major League Baseball. The Hall-of-Famer was a 10-time All-Star, three-time silver slugger, two-time World Series Champion with the Athletics and Blue Jays, gold glove winner, and 1990 American League Most Valuable Player.

Along with his accolades, Henderson racked up an MLB-leading 1,406 stolen bases and 2,295 runs scored in his career. Henderson led the league 12 times in stolen bases, including the 1982 season where he set the record for the most stolen bases in a single season with 130 (Modern Era).

Off the field, Henderson was just as entertaining. He often referred to himself in the third person, putting himself uptop the likes with Yogi Berra in baseball culture and lore.

“There are certain figures in American history who have passed into the realm of cultural mythology, as if reality could no longer contain their stories,” Tom Verducci of Sports Illustrated wrote in 2003. “Johnny Appleseed. Wild Bill Hickok. Davy Crockett. Rickey Henderson. They exist on the sometimes narrow margin between Fact and Fiction.”

One of those moments came on May 1, 1991, when Henderson passed Lou Brock as the all-time leader in steals and famously referred to himself as the greatest of all time.

“It took a long time, huh. First of all, I would like to thank God for giving me the opportunity. I was to thank the Haas family, the Oakland organization, the city of Oakland, and all you beautiful fans for supporting me. Most of all, I’d like to thank my mom, my friends, and loved ones for their support. I was to give my appreciation to Tom Trebelhorn and the late Billy Martin. Billy Martine was a great manager. He was a great friend to me. I love you, Billy. I wish you were here. Lou Brock was the symbol of great base stealing. But today, I’m the greatest of all time. Thank you.”

Rickey, as the outfielder referred to himself, had many instances and stories come out where the truth was convoluted. One personal favorite was during the 2000 season with the Mariners, where Henderson commented on  John Olerud wearing a batting helmet on defense, commenting that he’d played with another man who did the same.

“That was me,” Olerud replied. Or so the story goes. Henderson and Olerud had also played together on the Mets during the 1999 season and won a championship together in 1993.

While mostly known for his time with the Athletics, Blue Jays, and Yankees, Henderson’s career included multiple pit stops in Queens. The first came as a player when Henderson was signed to the club prior to the 1999 season. That year, Henderson slashed .315/.423/.466 and stole 37 bags at age 40, taking home the National League Comeback Player of the Year award.

Then, after retirement, Henderson returned to the Mets organization in 2006 as a special instructor to work with hitters on their approach and stealing bases. Henderson’s work that season was noted to aid José Reyes, who was a first-time All-Star that season and led MLB with 64 steals. Henderson returned as a Mets coach in 2007 and was promoted as the first base coach mid-season.

Henderson is survived by his wife Pam, and his daughters Angela, Adrianna, and Alexis. He joins a list of players to pass away in 2024, including Willie Mays, Orlando Cepeda, Whitey Herzog, and Fernando Valenzuela.

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The Oakland Coliseum was packed with green and gold as fans said an emotional farewell to the Athletics during their final game in the city on Thursday. The A’s, who’ve called the Coliseum home since 1968, won 3-2 against the Texas Rangers. As Oakland’s last major sports team leaves, following the Raiders and Warriors, many fans voiced mixed emotions. Some even vowed to stop watching MLB, upset with the decision to relocate.

The A’s plan on playing in Sacramento for three years before moving to Las Vegas permanently.

Now onto the morning briefing!

Ed Szczepanski-Imagn Images

Wild Card Update

The Mets and Atlanta Braves did not play on Thursday due to Hurricane Helene, while the Arizona Diamondbacks had a scheduled day off and the San Diego Padres took a loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers.

New York remains deadlocked with the D-backs for the second Wild Card spot, though it holds the tiebreaker, while sitting a game up on Atlanta. The Mets have also found themselves three games back of San Diego for the top WC spot with the tiebreaker and two contests in hand, though that factor may not come into play depending on if Monday’s doubleheader against the Braves is played or not.

Latest Mets News

The final game at the Oakland Coliseum had a few connections to the New York Mets. Former Mets draft pick J.T. Ginn notched his first major league win against the Texas Rangers, while his opponent, Kumar Rocker, another former Mets draft pick, took the loss. Former Met, outfielder Travis Jankowski, made the final out of the game to seal the victory for Oakland.

Latest MLB News

According to Jeff Passan of ESPN, who cited reporting from Juan Arturo Recio of ESPN DR, Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Wander Franco will face trial for sexually abusing a minor. A judge in the Dominican Republic ruled that the evidence and accusations against Franco are strong enough for the case to move forward.

The Los Angeles Dodgers clinched the NL West title Thursday night with a 7-2 win over the Padres. Down 2-0 in the seventh, Will Smith’s two-run homer sparked a comeback, which was followed by key hits from Shohei Ohtani and Mookie Betts. Andy Pages added a two-run homer in the eighth, and Michael Kopech closed it out to secure the Dodgers’ 11th division title in 12 years.

The New York Yankees clinched the AL East for the second time in three years with a dominant 10-1 win over the Baltimore Orioles on Thursday. Baltimore had delayed the celebration with two wins earlier in the series, but Gerrit Cole’s stellar outing combined with home runs from Aaron Judge and Giancarlo Stanton finally sealed it for New York.

Latest on MMO

Colin Chatto writes about five keys for the Mets’ upcoming series in Milwaukee versus the Brewers.

Mathias Altman-Kurosaki updates the NL Wild Card race leading into the final weekend of the regular season.

On This Date In Mets History

2000: The Mets clinched a playoff spot with a 6-2 win over the Braves. Though the Braves led the division, the Mets finished nine games ahead in the Wild Card race. Rick Reed got the win and Edgardo Alfonzo went 2-for-3 with a home run. New York would go all the way to the World Series that year, and then you know the rest.

Born On This Date: Luis Guillorme (1994), John Lannan (1984), Jon Rauch (1978), Jason Phillips (1978), Don Schulze (1962)

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The Mets had a golden opportunity to clinch a series win and an above .500 record on their West Coast swing last night. However, their bullpen let them down again. With two outs in the eighth inning and a runner on first, Mets manager Carlos Mendoza decided to go to Edwin Díaz to get a four-out save. Unfortunately, Díaz’s command was erratic again, leaving him in a bases-loaded situation with Corbin Carroll at the plate. Having to throw a strike, Edwin hung a slider over the middle of the plate, and Carroll gave the D-Backs a three-run lead with his second homer of the night. 

While 2022 Edwin Díaz might still be in there, the Mets $100 million closer has blown six saves on the season and has been especially unreliable lately. Díaz and Butto, perceived as the Mets most potent duo, also blew another game on their road trip against the Padres on Sunday. If the Mets’ back-end, particularly their former “reliever of the year” closer, cannot be relied upon, they will continue throwing away crucial games amid a heated wild card race.

To put the icing on the bullpen-mess cake, right-hander Dedniel Núñez was unavailable on Wednesday because of forearm tightness. Mendoza said the high-leverage reliever is currently day-to-day. Núñez has only pitched in one game, 1 2/3 scoreless innings on August 24, since returning from the injured list because of a right forearm strain.

The final game in Arizona will be a showdown between David Peterson (8-1, 2.85 ERA) and Ryne Nelson (9-6, 4.29 ERA) at 3:40 P.M. EDT.

Wild Card Update

The Mets created more distance between themselves and the three wild card teams with their loss last night. With Arizona’s win over the Mets last night, they increased their lead over the Mets to seven games. The Padres losing to the Cardinals also helped Arizona, putting them a full game in front of San Diego for the first wild card spot. The most consequential result for the Mets on Wednesday night was the Braves winning again, as they swept the Twins and are now 8-2 in their last 10 games. New York is four games behind Atlanta for the final wild card spot.

Latest Mets News

Luis Severino told reporters that he felt a lot of pain after getting hit in his foot by a come-backer in last night’s loss. However, Luis said that the x-rays returned negative and he is “100% sure” he will make his next start.

Mets 2024 first-round pick Carson Benge continues to rake. Benge hit his second home run in two days on Wednesday, bringing his OPS up to 1.106 in his seven games for the St. Lucie Mets. 

Mets manager Carlos Mendoza mentioned “speed and versatility” as two attributes that will be valued when the Mets expand their roster on Sunday, August 1st, per Mike Puma of The New York Post. That sounds like prospect Luisangel Acuña, who is on the Mets’ 40-man roster. 

Jon Heyman of The New York Post reported on a Bleacher Report “Walk-Off” stream, that Orioles starter and soon-to-be free-agent Corbin Burnes will be on the Mets radar this off-season. Click here for more information on the report.

Latest MLB News

Fans were lined up outside of Dodger Stadium 7 hours before first pitch for Shohei Ohtani bobblehead night on Wednesday.

Excitement level for Shohei and Decoy. 📈 pic.twitter.com/54viWyFYBY

— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) August 29, 2024

The Kansas City Royals placed RHP Michael Lorenzen on the 15-day IL with a left hamstring strain. Lorenzen, who is on his fourth team in the past two seasons, pitched to a 1.85 ERA in his 24 1/3 innings with Kansas City since being traded from Texas.

The 7th pick in the 2023 draft and one of the Cincinnati Reds top prospects, Rhett Lowder, is expected to make his major league debut on Friday, per C. Trent Rosecrans of The Athletic Cincinnati. 

The Houston Astros sent former starting center fielder Chas McCormick down to Triple-A, per Chandler Rome of The Athletic. This move comes a day after the Astros signed veteran OF Jason Heyward off waivers from the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Oakland Athletics manager Mark Kotsay told the media that Miguel Andujar will be undergoing a season-ending core muscle surgery, per Martín Gallegos of MLB.com. Andujar is under control through 2025, Oakland hopes to have him back next season.

Veteran INF Thairo Estrada and left-handed relievers Tyler Matzek and Taylor Rogers were all placed on waivers by the San Francisco Giants on Wednesday, per Grant Bisbee and Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic. Unlike being DFA’d, the players will continue to play for the Giants until the resolution of their waiver process.

Orioles manager Brandon Hyde told the media that utility man Jorge Mateo will undergo season-ending surgery to repair the UCL in his left elbow. Mateo, known as one of the fastest players in the league, originally injured his elbow in late July and was hoping to make a return later in the season before the surgery.

Latest on MMO

Pete Alonso continues to climb the Mets all-time leaderboards.

See how the Mets and Braves schedules compare down the stretch run.

Could the Mets pursue Corbin Burnes to be their ace in free agency?

On This Date in Mets History 

2016: Yoenis Cespedes hits a walk-off solo home run to beat the Marlins 2-1.

2008: Carlos Beltrán launches a ball deep into right field for a go-ahead grand slam in the top of the ninth inning, giving the Mets a 5-2 lead over the Marlins.

Birthdays: Noah Syndergaard (32), Anthony Recker (41), Henry Blanco (53), Bill Latham (64), Rusty Tillman (64)

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One positive from this stretch has been Francisco Lindor. He is continuing his MVP-caliber season.  For games from August 10 to August 16, Lindor slashed .375/.423/.615 with a gaudy 1.038 OPS. Over the course of these games he hit one home run, two doubles, a triple, and produced four runs.  This week’s Statistical Spotlight features Francisco Lindor.

Lindor faced a plethora of right-handed pitching last week. All but two of his at-bats came from the left side of the plate. He went 9-for-24 from the left side of the plate and was hitless in his one at-bat on the other side.

The graph below is of the left-handed at bats from Lindor. As depicted by the graph, Lindor did a great job at covering the plate. His lone home run came from a pitch that was high-and-in. He did go fishing out of the zone a bit, but was able to drive those pitches. He was able to reach pitches away as well as pitches down and in, both which were out of the strike zone.

Lindor did struggle with elevating the ball last week. He produced two ground ball outs and two ground ball singles.  These are marked by the two blue dots as well as two purple dots that are in the zone.

Francisco Lindor’s plate approach has been remarkable. It has been talked at length about his switch to the leadoff spot, and it is great to see that Lindor is still producing from there. He continues to go one as one of the more underrated assets in the majors, near the top of the National League leaderboard in fWAR. He has been everything the Mets could have asked for since coming to New York City. 

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The Mets struggled mightily against the Mariners over the weekend, only scoring one run among three losing efforts. They sit one game behind the Braves for the final Wild Card spot after winning four of 10 games on their road trip.

This series against the Athletics kicks off a crucial nine-game homestand that can have major Wild Card race implications.

Let’s preview the pitching matchups for this series!

Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

Tuesday, August 13, 2024: TBD vs. RHP Paul Blackburn (5-2, 3.86 ERA)

The Athletics have yet to name a starter for Tuesday, as they have shaken up their rotation with off days last Thursday and this past Monday. Ross Stripling is a possibility, as he has not pitched since last Tuesday. However, he has struggled mightily since returning from injury on July 25, with a 5.40 ERA in three starts.

Paul Blackburn will go up against his former team for the first time on Tuesday. In the two starts Blackburn has made with the Mets, he has noticeably increased his cutter usage. In this span, opponents are batting just .177 against the pitch, part of an overall trend of success for Blackburn.

Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

Wednesday, August 14, 2024: RHP Mitch Spence (7-8, 4.33 ERA) vs. LHP David Peterson (6-1, 3.34 ERA)

Mitch Spence offers a five-pitch mix headlined by a cutter and slider. His speedier pitchers hover around 92 mph, and his curveball is his best pitch. It has a 31.9 percent whiff rate, and opponents are batting just .193 against it. Besides that, Spence does not profile as a strikeout pitcher and is often susceptible to allowing hard contact. His 41.9 percent hard-hit rate places him in the 24th percentile among qualified pitchers this season.

David Peterson has impressed this season despite gaps in his game. He struggles with walks, as he walks 10.6 percent of opponents. Peterson has walked three or more batters in four of his five last starts. However, he makes up for it with his elite 90th percentile 52.6 percent ground ball rate. He will have to work on his control issues if he wants to make an impact in the postseason.

Steven Bisig-USA TODAY Sports

Thursday, August 15, 2024: RHP Joey Estes (5-4, 4.70 ERA) vs. LHP Jose Quintana (6-8, 4.10 ERA)

Joey Estes throws his four-seamer over half the time with several secondary offerings. He only strikes out 18.3 percent of batters and has a 20th percentile 9.4 percent barrel rate. Further, Estes has the worst ground ball rate in the league at 23.5 percent. Despite these poor numbers, Estes has been better recently, allowing two or fewer earned runs in his last five starts.

Jose Quintana struggled in his last outing, allowing five earned runs over 6 2/3 innings. However, he has been effective since the beginning of July, posting a 3.19 ERA across seven starts. He has walked 9.8 percent of batters in that span, highlighting an issue that has plagued him this season.

Players to Watch

Jeff McNeil (NYM)

Jeff McNeil was one of the lone bright spots amid a poor offensive series for the Mets, going 3-for-10 with a home run against the Mariners. He is also batting .299/.346/.588 in his last 30 games, marking a major turnaround from his early season woes. The Mets will need more than just McNeil’s production if they want to make this homestand count.

Brent Rooker (OAK)

Brent Rooker had a solid series over the weekend, going 4-for-9 with a home run against the Blue Jays. This is part of a larger trend where Rooker is batting .336/.409/.718 with 12 home runs in his last 30 games. Rooker has established himself as one of the best hitters across the league this year, eclipsing the 90th percentile in xwOBA, xSLG, average exit velocity, barrel rate, and hard-hit rate. The Mets may be wise to take a cautious approach against Rooker.

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Tim Arango and Michael S. Schmidt of the New York Times reported on Wednesday that Shohei Ohtani‘s former interpreter, Ippei Mizuhara, is in negotiations to plead guilty to federal crimes in connection to the theft of Ohtani’s money. 

Despite Mizuhara originally saying that Ohtani paid off his $4.5 million in debt, which was accrued by illegally betting on sports with a bookie in California, Ohtani and his lawyers countered, saying that Ohtani had no knowledge of the situation and that the interpreter stole the money from the Japanese superstar.

Along with that, sources told the New York Times that the former interpreter may have stolen more than the original $4.5 million, changing Ohtani’s bank notification settings to help him do so.

While the conflicting narratives originally left a lot of grey area, a guilty plea along with admission of many key parts to the investigation from Mizuhara, would make the story much clearer. 

Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Latest Mets News

The game between the New York Mets and Atlanta Braves slated for Wednesday night was postponed. The game will be made up on September 26th, while Thursday’s game will go on as scheduled at 12:20. Click here for more information on the postponement. 

The Mets transferred Kodai Senga to the 60-day IL, meaning his earliest possible return would be May 27. Manager Carlos Mendoza said this is not a setback and needed an extra roster spot, per Will Sammon of The Athletic.

The club selected the contract of LHP Tyler Jay from Triple-A Syracuse and optioned RHP Dedniel Núñez to Triple-A Syracuse. Click here for more information on the Mets moves and Senga’s recovery.

Collectibles marketplace Goldin has been sold to eBay by Collectors Holdings, which is co-owned by Mets owner Steve Cohen, per Dan Hajducky of ESPN.

Latest MLB News

Chicago White Sox third baseman Yoán Moncada is expected to miss the next 3-6 months after straining his left adductor while running to first base in Tuesday’s game.

The Arizona Diamondbacks signed former Cardinals second baseman Kolten Wong and assigned him to their Triple-A affiliate Reno Aces.

The No. 1 prospect in baseball, Jackson Holliday, made his debut for the Orioles last night and went 0-for-4 with an RBI.

The third-best prospect in the Milwaukee Brewers system, Jefferson Quero, will be undergoing season-ending shoulder surgery for a torn labrum, per Adam McCalvy of MLB.com.

The Toronto Blue Jays traded RHP Wes Parsons to the Cleveland Guardians for $250,000 of international bonus pool money.

The Houston Astros designated outfielder Cooper Hummel for assignment.

R.J. Anderson of CBS Sports talked with many Oakland Athletic and Oakland Coliseum employees to see how the A’s move to Sacramento will effect their future.

Latest on MMO

Dedniel Nuñez flashed in his MLB debut.

The Mets’ running game woes continue.

Christian Scott dazzled in a 10-strikeout performance.

On This Date in Mets History

2017: Yoenis Céspedes hits three home runs in one game against the Phillies, becoming the first Met with two three-homer games.

1962: The New York Metropolitans play the first game in the franchise’s history.

Birthdays: Alejandro De Aza (40), Trot Nixon (50), Bobby Jones (52), Bret Saberhagen (60), Wally Whitehurst (60)

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Former Met and future Hall of Famer Justin Verlander is reportedly a couple of weeks behind schedule and his timetable is TBA at the moment, per Brian McTaggart of MLB.com. Verlander also had a delayed start to his 2023 season due to an upper back/shoulder issue, which seems to be ailing him this year as well. 

The three-time Cy Young award winner said he was going about his regular routine before shutting down. “When I first started playing catch I usually shut it down for a while, and this time when I shut it down and picked a ball back up, my shoulder didn’t feel so great so I kind of had to take a step back,” he said.

While it does not seem like a major injury, any time that Verlander misses for the Astros could play in the Mets’ favor. The Mets could be on the hook for $17.5 million if the 40-year old reaches the 140 innings pitched threshold, which would kick in his vesting option for the 2025 season.

Justin Verlander. Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

Latest Mets News 

The New York Mets officially announced the signing of flame-throwing reliever Shintaro Fujinami to a one-year deal. In a corresponding move, Ronny Mauricio will be moved to the 60-day IL after tearing his ACL in the offseason.

ESPN has picked up two of the Mets’ spring training games, both against the Yankees, on March 5 at 1 P.M. and March 22 at 5 p.m., per Mike Mayer of Metsmerized Online. 

Kodai Senga hinted at the potential of debuting a new pitch this upcoming season. Hear what Senga had to say as he addressed the media on Wednesday. 

MLB Network released their next batch of players for their top 100 players right now list; Pete Alonso and Francisco Lindor found themselves on the list. Click here to see where they landed!

Latest MLB News

The Cincinnati Reds announced the passing of Reds Hall of Fame pitcher Don Gullet. Gullet spent 24 years with the Reds as a player, coach, and minor league instructor.

Former Mets star pitcher Jacob deGrom said that he started to throw on Monday and threw again on Wednesday as he starts to ramp up, per Jeff Wilson of Rangers Today. 

The New York Yankees acquired LHP Clayton Andrews from the Brewers, and in return sent RHP Joshua Quezada, per Mark Feinsand of MLB.com.

The Oakland Athletics announced that they have signed LHP Scott Alexander to a one-year contract for the 2024 season. 

The Philadelphia Phillies officially announced their signing of RHP Spencer Turnbull, to make room for him they DFA’d RHP McKinley Moore. 

Jeff Passan of ESPN reported that free agent relief pitcher Liam Hendriks is setting a deadline of Thursday (today) to sign with a team. If he does not sign by then, he will take time to rehab from Tommy John surgery on his own and throw for teams in late July before signing for the stretch run. 

The Yankees agreed to a deal with relief pitcher Lou Trivino, per Andy Martino of SNY. Joel Sherman of the NY Post reported that it is for $1.5 million with a club option of $5 million for 2025. 

Zack Wheeler and the Philadelphia Phillies have started negotiations on a potential contract extension, per Matt Gelb of The Athletic. Wheeler says that he hopes it’s done before the end of Spring, mentioning how he loves it in Philly. 

The Chicago White Sox signed 35-year-old Mike Moustakas to a minor league deal, the team announced.

Yankees manager Aaron Boone announced that reliever Scott Effross will be out until the summer after undergoing back surgery in December. 

Left-handed relief pitcher Josh Fleming agreed to a one-year, major league split contract with the Pittsburgh Pirates, per Robert Murray of FanSided. If he is in the majors, Fleming would receive $850,000.

The San Francisco Giants signed RHP Austin Warren to a one-year major league contract and placed LHP Robbie Ray on the 60-day IL as he recovers from left elbow UCL surgery. 

Latest on MMO

Take a look at the new faces at Mets spring training. 

Check out MMO’s non-roster invitee preview of RHP Christian Scott.

Could Thor be coming back to Queens? Christian De Block did a Free Agent Profile looking into the possibility of the Mets brining back Noah Syndergaard.

On This Date in Mets History

2011: The New York Mets sign relief pitcher Jason Isringhausen to a minor league contract. Isringhausen was a part of the infamous “Generation K” and was with the club up until 1999 after being drafted by the Mets in 1991. He made 53 appearances and saved his 300th game for his original club in 2011.

Birthdays: Mark Canha (35), Barry Jones (61), Chuck Estrada (86)

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