Frankie Montas struggled yet again on Wednesday, making his place in the Mets’ rotation a point of contention. The newly acquired Montas had a line of 5.0 IP, 7 H, 5 R, 1 BB, 2 K (80 pitches, 47 strikes) in his sixth rehab start since returning from a high grade lat strain. This outing actually lowered his ERA in rehab starts this season to 13.19 as he has given up eight home runs in 18 2/3 innings. Montas must be called up to the big league squad, assuming he’s healthy, but it could be hard to justify any major role given his struggles.

Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

Latest Mets News

Atlanta continues to be a house of horrors for the Mets as they were shut out by Chris Sale for 8 2/3 innings while the Braves clinched the series win. The Mets turned mental lapses, defensive errors and a poor start from Paul Blackburn into a 3-0 deficit early on and could never climb back, resulting in their fifth straight loss. Click here for the full game recap.

The Mets will look to salvage the last game of this set as Clay Holmes (7-3, 2.87 ERA) will face Spencer Strider (1-5, 4.35 ERA) at 7:15 p.m. on Thursday night. 

Kiley McDaniel of ESPN released his MLB Mock Draft 2.0 and has the Mets taking LF Devin Taylor from Indiana with their first pick.

Carlos Mendoza told reporters that Brett Baty wasn’t available last night and is not sure if he will need an IL stint.

Latest MLB News

Dodgers owner Mark Walter is buying majority ownership of the Lakers from the Buss family, per Shams Charania of ESPN.

The Tampa Bay Rays are in advanced talks to sell the club to a group led by Jacksonville home builder Patrick Zalupski, per Kurt Badenhausen of Sportico. Parties have signed a letter of intent and the price is roughly $1.7B. Click here for more on the potential purchase.

Former Cardinals catcher Yadier Molina was named Team Puerto Rico’s manager for the 2026 World Baseball Classic.

Franmil Reyes, who is now playing in Japan, is being sued for failing to follow through on his earning stake, per Michael McCann of Sportico. When Reyes was a 21-year-old minor league outfielder, he agreed to a player investment contract where he’d give up 10% of annual earnings in exchange for $302K.

Latest On MMO

Francisco Alvarez continues to struggle.

The Rays are in advanced talks about selling the team.

Tyrone Taylor continues to shine!

On This Date in Mets History

2014: Zack Wheeler throws a three-hit complete game shutout, the first shutout of his career.

2004: Mike Cameron tallies his second walk-off hit in as many days.

1989: Dwight Gooden records his 100th career victory, joining Tom Seaver and Jerry Koosman in the exclusive Mets club.

Born on This Date: Logan Verrett (1990), Devin Mesoraco (1988), Jacob deGrom (1988), Collin McHugh (1987), Claudio Vargas (1978), Doug Mientkiewicz (1974), Bob Gibson (1957), Bob Aspromonte (1938), Larry Miller (1937).

The post Morning Briefing: Frankie Montas’ Rehab Struggles Continue appeared first on Metsmerized Online.

On Wednesday, the Mets finished off their seven-game homestand with a bang.

After a Brett Baty two-run homer off of Zack Wheeler, offense was hard to come by as it was knotted at 2-2 going into the eighth. The Mets’ defense continued to keep them in the game, as Juan Soto gunned out Nick Castellanos at the plate in the eighth inning, eventually sending the game into extras. The culmination of the Mets’ perfect homestand would come with a Starling Marte bloop single into center field, scoring Pete Alonso and securing a 4-3 win for New York. For a full game recap, click here!

This win made the Mets 12-1 to start the season at Citi Field, marking their best home record to start a season in team history.

New York has an off day on Thursday as they travel down to D.C. to kick off a four-game set against the Washington Nationals. Kodai Senga, Clay Holmes, Tylor Megill and Griffin Canning are the expected starters for that series. 

Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images

Latest Mets News

Ryne Stanek raved about the Mets pitching development under this new regime, per David Lennon of Newsday. Stanek said New York’s pitching development is is “as good as anywhere I’ve been.”

Carlos Mendoza told reporters that he expects to reinstate Jeff McNeil and Francisco Alvarez from the 10-day IL on Friday. Click here for more on the two Mets’ expected returns.

Mets traded minor leaguer Rowdey Jordan to the Astros, per Mike Mayer of Metsmerized Online. Jordan was an 11th RD pick in 2021. and has a .683 OPS in the minors.

Mets trainers noticed that one of Edwin Díaz’s legs was longer than the other on Tuesday. They fixed the issue, says Díaz: “I was feeling better after”, per SNY. Edwin left Wednesday’s win with what he labeled as a “hip cramp.” Click here for more on Edwin’s injury.

Latest MLB News

The Atlanta Braves selected RHP Jesse Chavez to the major league roster and transferred INF Nacho Alvarez Jr. to the 60-day injured list. 

The Philadelphia Phillies reinstated INF/OF Weston Wilson from the 10-day IL and in return designated INF/OF Kody Clemens for assignment.

The Chicago Cubs signed Nicky Lopez to a one-year major league contract and transferred LHP Justin Steele to the 60-day IL.

Athletics reliever José Leclerc is going to get a second opinion when the A’s are in Texas next week after going down with a lat strain, per Martín Gallegos of MLB.com. He’s shut down for the time being with no timetable for a return.

Dodgers pitcher Blake Snell “didn’t feel great” after playing catch on Tuesday per Dave Roberts. Snell will be shut down from throwing and might go for more imaging, per Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic.

Latest on MMO

Edwin Díaz left Wednesday’s win with a hip cramp.

Jeff McNeil and Francisco Alvarez are expected to return this weekend!

The Mets finish off a perfect homestand!

On This Date in Mets History

2013: Jordany Valdespin hits a walk-off grand slam to give the Mets a 7-3 win over the Dodgers. 

2007: Pinch-hitter Damion Easley ties the Mets at one a piece with the Colorado Rockies in the 10th inning with the club down to their last strike. Endy Chávez would then win the game in the 12t inning with a walk-off drag bunt.

1986: Howard Johnson launches a two-run homer to tie the Mets and Reds in the ninth inning. George Foster then puts the Mets ahead in the 10th with an RBI single. 

1962: Casey Stengel is fined $500 by commissioner Ford Frick for appearing in a Rheingold Beer advertisement while in uniform.

Born on This Date: Tyler Naquin (1991), Carlos Beltrán (1977), Pat Zachry (1952).

The post Morning Briefing: Mets Continued Historic Start at Citi Field appeared first on Metsmerized Online.

In Game 1, Scott threw a complete game shutout with 14 strikeouts. In Game 4, Scott threw another complete game, this time allowing one run and striking out five. Sure, it was a bit better of a showing, but the Astros still won.

If the Mets lost Game 6, Scott would be in Game 7, which would likely mean the end of the season.

Now, in 2024, the Mets find themselves in a similar situation with another ex-Met looming for a potential do-or-die playoff game. And just like in 1986, the Mets can’t let that happen. The Mets cannot go back to Philly for a do-or-die Game 5.

Zack Wheeler. Wendell Cruz-USA TODAY Sports

Yes, a loss in Game 4 does not eliminate the Mets from the playoffs, but they need to do everything they can to finish the job without returning to Citizens Bank Park. The Mets do not want to see Zack Wheeler again.

Wheeler has pitched well against the Mets ever since the Amazins let him walk in free agency and even better this year. In his only regular-season start vs. the Mets in 2024 he went seven innings, allowed just two runs and struck out eight. Yes, the Mets beat him that day, but he was still great and Mets hitters still largely struggled.

In Game 1 of the NLDS vs. the Mets, Wheeler went seven scoreless with nine strikeouts and just one hit allowed. He may have been partially aided by a … generous home plate umpire, but Mets hitters still didn’t touch him. By game score, it was the second-best start of his postseason career, only trailing his 2022 NLCS Game 1 start when he also went seven scoreless. Sure, the Mets beat the Phillies that day as well, but they didn’t beat Wheeler. They beat Jeff Hoffman, Matt Strahm and Orion Kerkering — not Wheeler.

Wheeler isn’t scuffing the baseball, but he’s dominating the Mets all the same. There’s no reason to expect him not to dominate again in Game 5. Yes, the Mets are 2-0 in games started by Wheeler this year, but they’ve scored a combined two runs off of him in 14 innings. The Mets have somehow escaped with two wins in two tries despite two dominant showings by Philly’s ace. Don’t push the luck. If anything, the Phillies are due to win a Wheeler start.

A do-or-die game in Philadelphia against a reinvigorated Phillies team, who would have just grabbed all the momentum back, and with Wheeler on the mound, is a recipe for disaster. Luckily for the Mets, they have an opportunity to not let that happen.

Another strong start from Jose Quintana is needed; every reliever should be available out of the bullpen. David Peterson, Edwin Díaz, Reed Garrett and José Buttó should all be fresh after not being used in Tuesday’s win. Whatever you need to do to win this ballgame, do it. Carlos Mendoza needs to empty the bag of tricks. Play and manage like there is no Game 5.

The Mets have never had a champagne celebration at Citi Field but have the opportunity for one tonight. They need to pop the corks tonight or else they might not be popping them at all.

The post Mets Need to Treat Tonight Like it’s Game 5 appeared first on Metsmerized Online.

It was the top of the eighth inning. The Phillies decided to bring Jeff Hoffman into the game, one of the best right-handed relievers in the regular season. It did not go well for the All-Star. Francisco Álvarez led the inning off with a single up the middle, before being replaced by Harrison Bader as a pinch runner. Francisco Lindor walked. Mark Vientos was next. He quickly fell behind 0-2, but on the fourth pitch of the at bat, Vientos lined a ball into left field. After the offense was silent for seven innings, the Mets quickly tied it up.

Hoffman exited the game and was replaced by another All-Star reliever, Matt Strahm. The Phillies brought the infield in with runners on second and third. Brandon Nimmo found a hole on the left side, scoring Lindor and giving the Mets a 2-1 lead. That advantage was extended off the bat of Pete Alonso, who hit a sacrifice fly to deep center field to score Vientos. The Mets went on to score two more runs in the eighth, ambushing the Phillies for five runs in the frame. The home crowd was stunned and their momentum was gone.

The Mets went on to add another run in the ninth, and the game would finish 6-2 in favor of them. Extraordinarily, the Mets offense their last two playoff games through the first seven innings of the game is 3-for-44 with no runs. Over the last two innings; 6-for-12 with seven runs.

At this point, it’s hard to be surprised. On Monday, the Mets made a remarkable comeback against the bullpen of the Atlanta Braves. On Thursday, they rallied for three runs against Milwaukee Brewers star closer Devin Williams. Saturday was just the latest example of the Mets’ lineup doing damage against a star-studded bullpen. Given the way this season has gone and more specifically these last few months, it may not be the last remarkable comeback.

“Zack [Wheeler] was pretty much unhittable today, and that’s who he is. The fact we were able to get to the bullpen, it was really good to see,” Mets manager Carlos Mendoza said. The Mets will look to take a 2-0 lead in the series Sunday. First pitch is set for 4:08 pm ET.

The post Mets’ Offense Delivering in the Biggest Moments appeared first on Metsmerized Online.

The New York Mets look to continue their incredible ride in Philadelphia this afternoon! Thursday night the Mets did the improbable. Pete Alonso launched a three-run home run in the top of the ninth to take the Mets from losing to winning a single moment. For the Mets, it has become their calling card – their ability to flip a game’s momentum in a single moment.

Now the Mets return to Citizens Bank Park, a park where they just dropped a three-game series in mid-September but came out strong in the first game, beating the Phillies to 11-3. Get the rally pumpkins ready, it’s October Baseball time!

Kodai Senga. Jim Rassol-USA TODAY Sports

Mets Lineup

1. Francisco Lindor – SS
2. Mark Vientos – 3B
3. Brandon Nimmo – LF
4. Pete Alonso – 1B
5. Jose Iglesias – 2B
6. Jesse Winker – DH
7. Starling Marte – RF
8. Tyrone Taylor – CF
9. Francisco Alvarez – C

What a surprise for the New York Mets tonight! Kodai Senga was rehabbing from a calf injury after his start in July. He had a setback in September which changed his status to “maybe in the postseason?”. He’s ready to go this afternoon and according to him, he can pitch anywhere between 10 and 200 pitches. In his only start this season he allowed only two runs from two hits against the Braves over 5 1/3 innings while striking out nine batters. Last season Senga had a spectacular start (seven innings, one hit, no runs) and a not-so-spectacular start (four runs, two earned, 5 1/3 innings) against the Phillies. The Phillies have the following career numbers against him:

• Alec Bohm 1-5, K
• Nick Castellanos 1-6, 2 K
• Kody Clemens 1-2 K
• Bryce Harper 1-2, BB, K
• Brandon Marsh 1-4, 2B, K
• J.T. Realmuto 0-4, BB, 2 K
• Kyle Schwarber 0-6, 4 K
• Edmundo Sosa 0-2
• Bryson Stott 1-5, K
• Trea Turner 0-5, BB, K

Opposing Lineup

1. Kyle Schwarber – DH
2. Trea Turner – SS
3. Bryce Harper – 1B
4. Nick Castellanos – RF
5. Alec Bohm – 3B
6. Bryson Stott – 2B
7. J.T. Realmuto – C
8. Brandon Marsh – LF
9. Johan Rojas – CF

The Mets will face off against an old friend tonight in Zack Wheeler. Over 32 games this season, his third season in his last four where he started 32 games, he pitched 200 innings with a 2.57 ERA, 3.13 FIP, 0.955 WHIP (league-leading), and a 158 ERA+. He’s been his excellent self in his last four starts, allowing seven runs over 26 1/3 innings (2.39 ERA, 2.75 FIP). This includes a start against the Mets where he allowed two runs over seven innings on September 22nd, a game the Mets won 2-1. The Mets have the following career numbers against Wheeler:

• Luisangel Acuña 1-3
• Pete Alonso 10-34, 2 2B, 2 BB, 9 K
• Francisco Alvarez 0-2, BB, K
• Jose Iglesias 5-12, 2B, 2 K
• Francisco Lindor 8-29, 2B, 3B, HR, 6 K
• Starling Marte 7-23, 2B, 3B, BB, 4 K
• Brandon Nimmo 13-44, 3 2B, 3B, 2 HR, BB, 7 K
• Tyrone Taylor 2-6, 2B, K
• Mark Vientos 2-6, 2B, K
• Jesse Winker 0-10, 2 BB

Game Notes

• The Mets will play in the Division Series for the first time since 2015. Overall, it’s their ninth appearance in the series. The Mets are 12-4 all-time in the series.
• The Mets are facing the Phillies in the Postseason for the first time in franchise history. The Mets are 2-4 against the NL East in the Postseason. The last time the Mets faced off against a divisional opponent was in 1999, when they faced the Atlanta Braves in the NLCS.
• Kodai Senga is set to take the bump for the second time this season. He made one start on July 26 vs. Atlanta and allowed two earned runs on two hits with one walk and struck out nine over 5.1 innings. At the end of the start, he strained his left calf and has been on the 60-Day IL since then. He has made 30 career MLB starts, going 13-7 with a 2.99 ERA (57 ER/171.2 IP) with 78 walks and 211 strikeouts. He is 1-1 with a 1.46 ERA (2 ER/12.1 IP) in two career starts against the Phillies.

Three Things To Watch For

1. Rest vs Momentum. Last season three 100-win teams were all eliminated in the division round, leading to an argument about the extra rest that the division winners got, allowing them to get rusty vs the teams that went through the wild card round. The Phillies have had a good amount of time since last Sunday to get rest, reset their lineup, etc. The Mets had an extra doubleheader and were the only team that played a wild card series to three games. If the Phillies are rusty, the Mets will need to jump on them early. If the Mets are tired, the Phillies will need to rob the Mets of their momentum early.
2. Mets Pitching. We are assuming that Senga is going to have a short outing followed by either Peterson or Megill. Peterson had a terrific start at the end of the season against the Brewers, holding them to one run over seven innings, and then closed the game on Thursday, allowing a hit and nothing else over one inning. His two starts before the Brewers were against the Phillies where he allowed five runs over 3 2/3 innings at Citi Field, and held the Phillies to one run over 7 2/3 innings at CBP. Tylor hasn’t pitched since the doubleheader on Monday where he allowed three runs over 5 2/3 innings. Before that he allowed one run over four innings against the Phillies.
3. Big Hits from the Big Bats. Both the Mets and Phillies have hitters that can change a game in the moment. For the Phillies, Kyle Schwarber is a lead-off home run-hitting machine. Between Nick Castellanos and Bryce Harper, there is power up and down the lineup. The Mets have their own lead-off home run power in Francisco Lindor. Pete Alonso is coming off of the biggest swing in his life. Mark Vientos has been a revelation. In the regular season, the Mets hit 207 home runs and the Phillies had 198 (6th and 7th in the league respectively).

Let’s go Mets!

The post Game Chat: Mets vs Phillies, 4:08 PM appeared first on Metsmerized Online.

Kodai Senga. Wendell Cruz-USA TODAY Sports

PITCHING MATCHUPS

• Saturday: Kodai Senga (1-0, 3.38 ERA) vs. Zack Wheeler (16-7, 2.57 ERA): To the surprise of most if not all, Senga is back to start Game 1 of this series. There was some optimism that he could return during the postseason but this was a shock. Senga made one start in the regular season, throwing 5 1/3 innings against the Atlanta Braves all the way back on July 26. Wheeler has developed into one of the best postseason performers at his position. In 63 1/3 innings, the right-hander has a 2.42 ERA across 11 appearances. The Mets will have their hands full with Wheeler.
• Sunday: Luis Severino (11-7, 3.91 ERA) vs. Cristopher Sánchez (11-9, 3.32 ERA): Severino earned the second postseason win of his career on Tuesday against the Brewers. He struggled at the start, but finished his outing with two straight scoreless innings. Severino made two starts against the Phillies in the regular season, going 1-0 with a 4.50 ERA in 12 innings. Sánchez is getting a start in this spot probably with his home/road splits in mind. The left-hander has a 2.21 ERA at home. In comparison, he has a 5.02 ERA on the road. Sánchez pitched well in September, going 2-0 with a 2.43 ERA in five starts.
• Tuesday: Aaron Nola (14-8, 3.57 ERA) vs. TBD: Nola had a difficult September, pitching to a 4.91 ERA across six starts. The Phillies hope that his postseason experience will help him overcome some recent struggles. Nola has a total of 28 starts against the Mets in his career. He is 10-9 with a 3.46 ERA in 164 innings against them. The Mets have yet to announce a starter for a Game 3. Sean Manaea would be on an extra day of rest and Jose Quintana would be on normal rest. I have to assume Manaea will get the nod, with a game to be played the following day. He was 6-3 with a 3.75 ERA in 16 starts at Citi Field this season.
• Wednesday: TBD vs. TBD: Neither team has announced a starter for a potential Game 4. For the Phillies, Ranger Suárez would be an option if he is not used out of the bullpen prior to then. As for the Mets, Quintana will be called upon, assuming he does not feature in Game 3.
• Friday: TBD vs. TBD: If this series does go to a Game 5, it is likely that Wheeler will take the ball for the Phillies. The Mets, well they have plenty of options. Senga could start. Severino could pitch on normal rest. Depending on how they are utilized early on, David Peterson and Tylor Megill could be in the mix. All hands will be on deck for both sides in a win-or-go-home scenario.

WHO’S HOT?

Starling Marte (NYM)

After coming up with a few big hits in the Mets’ comeback win against the Atlanta Braves on Monday, Starling Marte had a strong few days in the Wild Card series. The outfielder was three-for-nine with two runs batted, with all of those hits being singles. The final one extended the Mets lead in the ninth inning of Game 3, slapping the ball through a hole on the right side. Marte could be a real difference-maker towards the bottom of the lineup, not only with his bat but his speed as well.

Nick Castellanos (PHI)

Nick Castellanos finished the regular season on a high note. The outfielder brought his best to the table in the month of September, slashing .292/.364/.494/.858 with four doubles, one triple, four home runs, and 13 runs batted in. Castellanos is only hitting .197 in the postseason for his career. That being said, the Mets need to attack him strategically. Cannot afford to let him get going.

PREDICTION

Are the Phillies more talented than the Mets? Yes, but I don’t believe much separates these two teams. Recent history would suggest that a team like the Phillies would struggle in this round. Last year, three teams with over 100 wins lost their first playoff series after getting an extended period off. Two of those teams were swept, the Baltimore Orioles and the Los Angeles Dodgers. I don’t expect the same to happen to the Phillies, although the Mets have momentum, and that holds a lot of weight at this time of the year. This magical run for the Mets is far from over. I have them winning this series in four, closing out the Phillies in front of the home crowd on Wednesday.

The post Series Preview: Mets to Face Division Rival Phillies in NLDS appeared first on Metsmerized Online.

This crucial win keeps the Mets two games ahead of the Atlanta Braves while also helping them gain ground on the Arizona Diamondbacks, who lost earlier in the day to the Milwaukee Brewers. The Mets, who are now even with the Diamondbacks, own the tiebreaker.

Pitching dominated the game as both starting pitchers and bullpens allowed just three runs combined. Facing his old team, Zack Wheeler delivered another solid outing with seven innings of work, allowing seven hits, two runs, and striking out eight.

Tylor Megill, after a shaky start, settled in and limited the Phillies to one run on four hits with six strikeouts over four innings. Both bullpens were impeccable, keeping the game tight and scoreless for the remainder of the game. Phil Maton and Jose Butto were crucial for the Mets in filling in the gap from Megill to Edwin Díaz, with Maton picking up the win, pitching two scoreless innings.

Gregory Fisher-Imagn Images

Wind played a major role, particularly with fly balls, killing multiple home run opportunities, especially for Kyle Schwarber. Offensively, the Mets tallied seven hits, highlighted by a Tyrone Taylor single in the second inning and a game-changing home run from Brandon Nimmo in the sixth. The Mets went 2-for-3 with runners in scoring position but left five men on base.

In what may have been Pete Alonso‘s final game at Citi Field, he received standing ovations for each at-bat but struggled at the plate, going 0-for-4. Edwin Díaz was called on for a six-out save after notching a four-out save on Saturday. Despite a few tense moments, he secured the win by striking out Kody Clemens to end the game.

Statistic of the Game: Magic Number At Five

Although the Braves defeated the Miami Marlins earlier this afternoon, the Mets’ win against Philadelphia puts the magic number to clinch at five, with a crucial series in Atlanta coming up on Tuesday. Taking two-of-three from Atlanta would clinch the Mets a playoff berth, as two wins would ensure the Mets the tiebreaker.

Player of the Game: Edwin Díaz

After notching a four-out save yesterday, Mets manager Carlos Mendoza entrusted Diaz for two innings to get his 20th save and he came through, getting all six outs, and striking out four.

Díaz has been tremendous as of late, allowing only one run to go along with 25 strikeouts over his last 13 1/3 innings.

On Deck

The Mets have an off-day tomorrow but will fly out to Atlanta to face the Braves for a crucial series that can decide the fate of the season. Confirmed by the manager, the Mets will throw out Luis Severino (11-6, 3.79 ERA) for game one on Tuesday and Atlanta will toss out Spencer Schwellenbach (7-7, 3.61 ERA). First pitch is at 7:20 pm ET and will be broadcasted on SNY and Mets Radio 880.

The post Mets Capture Series From Phillies; Take Two Game Lead to Atlanta appeared first on Metsmerized Online.

The New York Mets and Philadelphia Phillies match up for the last time in the regular season tonight, with the Mets looking to take the four game series from the Phillies. It’s been a weekend that has seen the Mets score 10 runs in the series opener, the Phillies with a rout on Friday, and a close game Saturday afternoon.

The Phillies have their ace on the mound tonight trying to clinch the National League East. The Mets are looking to keep their breathing room in the NL wild card race heading into their three game series with the Braves.

Mets Lineup

1. Jose Iglesias, 2B
2. Brandon Nimmo, LF
3. Pete Alonso, 1B
4. Jesse Winker, DH
5. Starling Marte, RF
6. Francisco Álvarez, C
7. Mark Vientos, 3B
8. Tyrone Taylor, CF
9. Luisangel Acuña, SS

Tylor Megill makes his fifth start of the season tonight since rejoining the rotation after the Paul Blackburn injury. Over 14 games this season, he has pitched 68 1/3 innings with a 4.08 ERA, 3.46 FIP (career best), 1.259 WHIP, and a 97 ERA+ (also a career best). In his last four games, he’s had a 1.69 ERA, 2.09 FIP over 21 1/3 innings. In his last two starts he has allowed only one unearned run and three hits over 12 innings while striking out 13.

The Phillies have the following career numbers against Megill:

• Alec Bohm 2-7, 2B, K
• Nick Castellanos 1-7, 2B, K
• Bryce Harper 2-10, BB, 3 K
• Brandon Marsh 2-7, HR, 3 K
• J.T. Realmuto 4-12, 2B, HR, 6 K
• Johan Rojas 0-2
• Kyle Schwarber 1-7, 2B, 3 BB, K
• Edmundo Sosa 1-5, K
• Bryson Stott 0-8, 3 K
• Trea Turner 1-4, BB
• Weston Wilson 1-3, K

Phillies Lineup

1. Kyle Schwarber, DH
2. Trea Turner, SS
3. Bryce Harper, 1B
4. Alec Bohm, 3B
5. Nick Castellanos, RF
6. Bryson Stott, SS
7. J.T. Realmuto, C
8. Brandon Marsh, LF
9. Johan Rojas, CF

Zack Wheeler is wrapping up another dominant season, possibly the best of his career. Over 186 2/3 innings, he has a 2.56 ERA (career best), 3.14 FIP, 0.954 WHIP (career best and league leading), and a 158 ERA+ (career best). He’s also leading the league in hits per nine innings at 6.2 (also a career best).

Over his last four starts, he has allowed only four runs from 14 hits and four walks while striking out 29 batters over 26 innings. The Mets have and Wheeler are matching up for the first time in 2024 tonight. The Mets have the following career numbers against him:

• Pete Alonso 10-31, 2 2B, 2 BB, 6 K
• José Iglesias 3-8, 2B
• Francisco Lindor 8-29, 2B, 3B, HR, 6 K
• Starling Marte 7-20, 2B, 3B, BB, 3 K
• Brandon Nimmo 12-41, 3 2B, 3B, HR, BB, 7 K
• Tyrone Taylor 0-3, K
• Mark Vientos 1-3
• Jesse Winker 0-7, 2 BB

Game Notes

Prior to the game, manager Carlos Mendoza confirmed that pitcher Kodai Senga felt tricep tightness during his minor-league rehab start on Saturday. Mendoza confirmed he won’t pitch in the regular season.

Manager Carlos Mendoza indicated that Francisco Lindor may be back in the lineup Tuesday in Atlanta.

Three Things To Watch For

1. Pete Alonso. There is a possibility that Pete Alonso’s last home game as a Met happens tonight. Pete Alonso has been a home run hitting machine for the Mets, hitting 226 so far in his Mets career. He has four All-Star game appearances. While he’s having a down year, he still has a .808 OPS and 128 OPS+ (which is not actually his lowest career OPS+). Alonso has powered the 2022 Mets with a league-leading 131 RBIs Tonight the Mets are going to need a slugger in the lineup.
2. Iglesias and Acuña. The Mets have been carrying the team over the last week. Iglesias added to his hitting streak yesterday going 2-for-5 with a double. Over his last 15 games, he has gone 24-for-58 slashing .414/.443/.535. More recently, he’s been getting extra-base hits on top of just getting on base. Meanwhile, Acuña continued his meteoric rise on Saturday going 2-for-3 with a double and homer. He is hitting .385/.407/.885 over his first eight games of his career with six extra-base hits.
3. The Standings. The Atlanta Braves won today, meaning New York will have to win to retain a 2.0 game lead over the Braves. Meanwhile, the Diamondbacks lost, meaning they’ll stay a game ahead of New York if the Mets lose Sunday. If New York wins, they’ll be tied with Arizona and own the tiebreaker.

The post Game Chat: Phillies vs. Mets, 7:15 P.M. appeared first on Metsmerized Online.

The Mets ended Saturday with a two-game lead on the Atlanta Braves with seven games left, three of them being in Atlanta starting on Tuesday. The Mets’ magic number sits at six, which can be reduced by one if the Mets clinch the season series over the Braves, which is currently tied. This is similar to how the Phillies entered play on Friday night with a magic number of four, but their win over the Mets clinched the season series tiebreaker. The Mets loss, Phillies win, and Phillies season series win all added together took three off the magic number.

Above the Mets sits the Arizona Diamondbacks, who have handled the Milwaukee Brewers relatively easily this week and hold a one-game lead on New York. The Mets hold this tiebreaker, as they do with the San Diego Padres, who are three games up on New York after playing a series with the historically awful Chicago White Sox.

Following Atlanta, the Mets head to Milwaukee, where the Brewers appear to be slotted into the third seed in the National League playoff picture, which will reportedly lead to Brewers starting pitchers being inning-capped at just five for the rest of the season.

With a win tomorrow, Mendoza’s squad can drop their clinching number to just five. The Mets have a wild week ahead of them, which could include clinching a playoff spot for the second time in the last eight years. What’s does the next week look like?

Tylor Megill. Brad Penner-Imagn Images

Sunday

The Mets will take on the Phillies in their final regular season home game of 2024 on ESPN’s Sunday Night Baseball. Former Met Zack Wheeler will look to lead the Phillies to a division title, which they can clinch with a win on Sunday. The Phillies have not won a National League East crown since the 2011 season.

To counter Wheeler, the Mets will send out Tylor Megill, who has been magnificent in his last two starts. Since his return to Syracuse (Triple-A) was rerouted following Paul Blackburn’s injury, Megill has thrown 12 innings with just three hits allowed, no earned runs, and 13 strikeouts.

The Mets will very likely be without Francisco Lindor again, who manager Carlos Mendoza said is likely out until Tuesday’s game in Atlanta.

Elsewhere, the Atlanta Braves finish their series with Miami at 1:40 pm ET, as Grant Holmes (3.84 ERA) takes the mound for Atlanta versus Miami’s Darren McCaughan (7.64 ERA). Meanwhile, Jordan Montgomery (6.23 ERA) finish their series with Milwaukee (Frankie Montas, 3.92 ERA) at 2:10 pm ET.

Monday

The Mets are off on Monday. The only notable game for the Mets is the Diamondbacks hosting the San Francisco Giants. The probable pitching matchup in that 9:40 pm ET showdown is Hayden Birdsong (4.74 ERA) for San Francisco and Eduardo Rodriguez (5.09 ERA) for Arizona. Remember, as it stands the Mets are one game back of Arizona, but do own the tiebreaker.

If the Mets can fend off the Phillies and Wheeler on Sunday night, the Phillies will take their magic number of one and head back to Citizens Bank Park, where they’ll look to win the National League East banner in front of a home crowd taking on the Washington Nationals.

Luis Severino. Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images

Tuesday

The Mets open their series with Atlanta in Truist Park on Tuesday, which is the Mets’ current target date for the return of Francisco Lindor. The younger brother of injured Braves star Ronald Acuña Jr., Luisangel Acuña, has become one of baseball’s best stories while holding down Lindor’s spot. The Mets bats will look to keep hot against the Braves after scoring 28 runs in their last four games combined.

The Mets are anticipating the trio of Luis Severino, David Peterson, and Sean Manaea starting in Atlanta, and likely in that order. This would be far and away the biggest start of Severino’s Mets career, but the veteran righty is no stranger to big games. Severino has 43 2/3 playoff innings under his belt and is the Mets’ most playoff-experienced starter in this series.

On the other side, the Mets should expect to see Chris Sale as his regular rest would line him up for the opening game of the three-game set. This would also line him up for game 162, which could be huge for the Braves. Granted, Atlanta has yet to make a formal announcement, however, all signs point to Sale starting the first game of this series, which would give the Mets back-to-back games against the likely Cy Young winner and runner-up.

It will be pivotal for the Mets to win on Tuesday for a number of reasons. In a fairly possible scenario where they go into Atlanta only one game up in the standings, this creates some breathing room for themselves and gives the Mets a win over the Braves’ best starter. If they go into Atlanta just a game up and can win on Tuesday, their prospects of popping champagne in Georgia grow exponentially.

Note, the Diamondbacks are once again slated to face off against the Giants at 9:40 pm ET. The probable pitching matchup in that one is Logan Webb (3.58 ERA) versus Brandon Pfaadt (4.66 ERA).

David Peterson. Eric Hartline-Imagn Images

Wednesday

The Mets will likely go with David Peterson on Wednesday. Peterson will be making easily the biggest start of his major league career, but he has also never been a front-line starter with this level of success before this year. Peterson’s only outing against the Braves this season came on July 28, an outing in which he allowed four runs over five innings. Peterson has had some big moments against Atlanta, including a pair of outings in 2022 in which he allowed just two runs over a combined 10 2/3 innings. The left-handed starter was tagged for four earned runs in less than four innings by the Phillies on Friday night.

Peterson will likely be opposed by Braves breakout rookie Spencer Schwellenbach; this if Atlanta indeed opts for Sale over the rookie in game one of the series. Schwellenbach owns a 3.61 ERA on the season and hasn’t allowed more than three runs in a game since July 21 (11 starts ago).

Wednesday becomes of even more significance to the Mets because there is a scenario where the Mets clinch a playoff berth. If the Mets win and the Braves lose on Sunday, their magic number drops to four. A win on Tuesday and Wednesday would give the Mets two additional games over the Braves in the standings, which would put them five up with five to go, and the Mets would hold the tiebreaker. This would mathematically eliminate the Braves from playoff contention, meaning the 2024 Mets would be October-bound.

While this is not the likely scenario, considering the Mets face Wheeler Sunday night while the Marlins appear to be running a bullpen game in their finale against the Braves, it would be the best one for the Mets.

In a nightmare scenario, where the Mets lose a game against the Braves on Sunday and lose game one of the series in Atlanta, this could be the game where the Braves can push ahead of the Mets in the standings. Whichever team wins two games of the series clinches the tiebreaker, which very well could decide which team goes to October and which one goes golfing.

Sean Manaea. Lucas Boland-Imagn Images

Thursday

Thursday will be Sean Manaea’s day, who is coming off a dazzling start in his Citi Field finale on Saturday, going seven strong innings with only two major blemishes, solo homers to Kyle Schwarber and Nick Castellanos. Manaea will face the final member of the trio of Sale, Spencer Schwellenbach, and Max Fried or Charlie Morton, and might make the biggest start of the year for the Mets.

Considering the history of these two teams, their recent bouts in playoff pushes, recent Met heartbreak in Atlanta, and plenty of other factors, it is fair to assume that this game will be the most important of the three. It feels unlikely that either team would take the first two from the other, so the tiebreaker might be hanging in the balance come Thursday. Manaea has been the Mets’ ace in 2024 and will need to give one more ace-like performance to get the Mets across the finish line.

In terms of clinching, there is a lot at play here. Through a number of different ways, the Mets could clinch a playoff spot on Thursday. So long as the Mets end play on Thursday at least three games up and with the tiebreaker over Atlanta in hand, they are into October.

This could happen in a number of different ways, so going through scenarios is a tad useless. In the end, the Mets must win two of three from Atlanta to secure the season series and likely a playoff spot. Their best starter this year is set to go in the final game and will be opposed by a formidable foe on the other side.  Thursday, to most people, does not feel that far away. But to a Mets fan, getting to Thursday might take years off life, and the unknown of what Thursday could look like is crippling.

The Rest

After the Mets and Braves series, whatever the outlook may be for both teams, each team will have three games remaining. The Mets will travel out to Milwaukee, who, as mentioned above, seem to be poised for that third seed in the National League, and have their pitchers on limits.

Meanwhile, the Braves will welcome in Kansas City and face a Royals team who will likely still be in the thick of the American League wild card race. As of Sunday morning, the Royals occupy the second wild card spot, but are only one game from the Detroit Tigers who are the first team on the outside looking in. In all likelihood, these three games will be huge for Kansas City; a great sign for the Mets.

If the Diamondbacks still factor into the equation by Friday, they’ll closing their season versus the current first wild card team the San Diego Padres.

The post Outlook Of The National League Wild Card Race appeared first on Metsmerized Online.

Wow… We’ve seen plenty of bizarre days in Flushing and Wednesday made a case to be high on that list.

The day started with a gut punch as the Mets lost their closer, Edwin Díaz, to the IL with a right shoulder impingement. But, that would only be the beginning.

Early in the Mets’ 10-3 loss to the Dodgers, Pete Alonso left the game after getting hit by a pitch on the hand. X-rays were negative, but the Mets are waiting on the results of the CT scan.

Jorge López was the star of the Mets’ meltdown on Wednesday. After Adam Ottavino gave the Dodgers a two-run lead in the eight inning, Jorge López came in to clean up the mess with two runners on base. Obviously, it did not go his way, allowing four more runs to come in. But that was just the prequel; in his at-bat against Freddie Freeman, the third base umpire did not give López the call on a Freeman check swing attempt. López barked at the ump, got ejected, then threw his glove over the net and into the crowd as he walked off the field.

Despite a team meeting before talking to the media, López did not hold back, going in on his team. While there was controversy about what he really said about being the “worst teammate” and/or on the “worst team”, López said he did not regret throwing his glove into the stands. 

It was announced shortly after that the Mets are planning on DFA’ing López after his tirade, per Joel Sherman of the New York Post. To get a more in-depth breakdown of Wednesday’s circus, click here.

Screenshot via SNY Twitter

Latest Mets News

The Mets will be calling up Danny Young to replace López for now, Will Sammon of The Athletic reported late Wednesday night.

Mets closer Edwin Díaz was placed on the 15-day IL with a right shoulder impingement. They recalled LHP Josh Walker from Triple-A Syracuse to take the roster spot. Click here to learn more about the injury.

The Mets held a players-only team meeting after yesterday’s loss, which was initiated by Francisco Lindor, according to Brandon Nimmo.

Steve Cohen’s plan to build a casino outside of Citi Field has hit a snag as it is meeting opposition from a state senator. Click here for more information.

Drew Smith made his first rehab start for Triple-A Syracuse on Wednesday: 1 IP, 4 H, 3 ER, 0 BB, 1 K.

Blade Tidwell made his second start for Triple-A Syracuse: 6 IP, 4 H, 0 R, 4 BB, 2 K, 85 pitches/47 pitches.

Latest MLB News

Tampa Bay Rays top prospect Junior Caminero has a Grade 2 left quad strain and is likely to miss 4-6 weeks, per Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times.

The Boston Red Sox placed OF Tyler O’Neill on the 10-day injured list, retroactive to May 26, with right knee inflammation.

The Atlanta Braves’ No. 5 prospect in their system, Owen Murphy, is undergoing Tommy John Surgery, per Jonathan Mayo of MLB.com.

Former Cleveland Guardians outfielder Ramón Laureano signed a minor league deal with the Atlanta Braves.

Yu Darvish left Wednesday’s game with left hamstring tightness, per Kevin Acee of the San Diego Union-Tribune.

The Toronto Blue Jays will be unveiling their City Connect jerseys Thursday.

Former Angels infielder David Fletcher made his first start as a pitcher with the Gwinnett Stripers on Wednesday, putting up a line of 5 IP, 3 H, 2 ER, 1 BB, 6 K. He struck out Orioles top prospect Jackson Holliday in the outing.

The Detroit Tigers placed OF Kerry Carpenter on the 10-day injured list, retroactive to May 27, with lumbar spine inflammation.

Spencer Schwellenbach, the Braves number 3 prospect, made his big league debut yesterday and gave up three runs on five hits in five innings.

Toronto Blue Jays RHP Alek Manoah was removed from Wednesday night’s game with right elbow discomfort.

Latest on MMO

The Mets suffer another painful loss.

Edwin Díaz hits the injured list.

Jorge López explodes and gets DFA’d.

On This Date in Mets History

2013: The Mets sweep the Yankees for the first time in Subway Series history. Dillon Gee threw 7 1/3 innings of one-run ball in a 3-1 win in the final game. 

Birthdays: Zack Wheeler (34), Fernando Salas (39)

The post Morning Briefing: A Disastrous Day in Flushing appeared first on Metsmerized Online.