Good morning Mets fans! The New York Mets (64-60) had a chance to rest up on Monday as they enjoyed a day off. They now go back into action at Citi Field as they host the Cleveland Indians (74-51) for a three-game set to kick off a nine-game homestand.

Latest Mets News

Steven Matz (7-7, 4.33 ERA) gets the ball in Game 1 of the series as he takes on Shane Bieber (12-5, 3.27 ERA) and the Indians. First pitch is scheduled for 7:10 p.m. EDT, with coverage on SNY, WCBS 880 and ESPN Deportes 1050.

Al Jackson, an original 1962 Met, passed away at the age of 83 on Monday.

Tim Britton of The Athletic caught up with Mets prospects Ronny Mauricio, Mark Vientos and Shervyen Newton.

Mike Puma of the New York Post wrote a piece about Joe Panik turning his career around with the Mets.

Kevin Kernan of the New York Post wrote about Mets pitching coach Phil Regan‘s curious way of inspiring the team.

The Mets signed former major leaguer Nick Rumbelow to a minor league contract according to MMN‘s Jacob Resnick. He was most recently playing Independent ball for the Sugar Land Skeeters.

Latest MLB News

The Oakland Athletics are promoting their No. 2 prospect A.J. Puk ahead of Tuesday’s game with the New York Yankees, per Martin Gallegos of MLB.com.

Nathan Patterson, the man from the viral pitching machine video at Coors Field who recently signed with the Athletics, struck out the side in his professional debut in the Arizona League.

Chris Sale will not need Tommy John surgery according to Jeff Passan of ESPN. The Boston Red Sox then released a medical update that stated Sale will be shutdown from throwing and re-evaluated in six weeks by Dr. James Andrews.

Carlos Correa left the Houston Astros’ game against the Detroit Tigers on Monday with back discomfort.

Andrew Simon of MLB.com wrote about seven players who have broken out in 2019.

Latest NL East News

The Atlanta Braves (74-52) remain atop the NL East standings, followed by the Washington Nationals (68-56; 5.0 games back), Mets (64-60; 9.0 games back) Philadelphia Phillies (64-60; 9.0 games back) and Miami Marlins (45-78; 27.5 games back).

The Nationals shutout the Pittsburgh Pirates 13-0. The rest of the NL East had off on Monday.

The Braves claimed Billy Hamilton off waivers.

Latest on MMO/MMN

Joe D. recounted his memories of Al Jackson in response to his passing.

Samantha Brown broke down Zack Wheeler‘s start from Sunday.

Matt Musico took a closer look at Jacob deGrom and continual dominance.

Brian Devine wrote about the NL Wild Card race and where the Mets find themselves as of now.

Michelle Ioannou wrote a piece on the current state of the Mets, following their series victory in Kansas City.

John Sheridan continued his “3 Up, 3 Down” series following the Mets’ series victory in Kansas City.

Sheridan also listed and wrote about the weekly top performers in all the Mets minor league affiliates.

This Day in Mets History

1963: Grover Powell threw a complete-game shutout against the Phillies in his first MLB start. It stood as Powell’s only MLB win as his effectiveness took a dive after getting hit by a line drive off the bat of Donn Clendenon in his next appearance against the Pittsburgh Pirates.

1985: Dwight Gooden tossed a complete-game shutout and struck out 16 batters in the Mets’ 3-0 victory over the San Francisco Giants. His performance earned him his 13th consecutive win and helped him pass the 200 strikeout mark for the second season in a row.

Birthdays: Lance Broadway turns 36, Cory Sullivan turns 40 and Cliff Cook turns 83.