Francisco Alvarez, Photo by Dan Fritz

AAA: Lehigh IronPigs (48-58) 9, Syracuse Mets (42-63) 6  Box Score

The Mets had a strong night offensively, picking up six runs on 12 hits, but missed out on opportunities to score more by going just 2-for-15 with runners in scoring position. Lee hit his ninth home run of the season in the fourth inning; his nine home runs are the most he has hit in a season since 2017. His .443 OBP ranks second in Triple-A. Martinez made his eighth rehab start with Syracuse (15th overall), but has still been unable to find a groove offensively.

  • RHP Jerad Eickhoff (L, 7-2, 5.57 ERA) 3 2/3 IP, 7 H, 7 ER, 2 BB, 5 K
  • RHP Jake Reed (0-0, 0.00 ERA) 1 2/3 IP, 3 H, 2 K
  • RHP Eric Orze (0-0, 4.26 ERA) 1/3 IP

Eickhoff had a rough night for Syracuse, giving up a season-high (not including major league starts) seven earned runs before he could make it through the fourth inning. Reed made his second appearance in his return from an injury sustained with the major league team in mid-August. It has only been five appearances between Triple-A and the majors, but Reed has been mostly flawless since joining the Mets organization.

AA: Richmond Flying Squirrels (52-49) vs. Binghamton Rumble Ponies (46-53)

The entire series against the Flying Squirrels was canceled due to a COVID-19 outbreak on one of the teams. With the season coming to a close in two weeks, the games will not be made up. The Rumble Ponies are currently scheduled to return to action on Tuesday, September 7.

A+: Brooklyn Cyclones (42-63) 6, Wilmington Blue Rocks (46-60) 1  Box Score

The Cyclones’ three top prospects each played a big role in Sunday’s victory. Álvarez got the team on the board first with his two-run first-inning home run. That home run was his 20th of the season, a total which ties him for sixth among all minor league catchers, second among all minor league players younger than 20 years old, and second in the Mets organization (behind Mark Vientos). The bats were silent until the seventh inning when Mauricio put the game away with a three-run blast of his own. With 18 home runs, he is a couple behind his teammate, but is still in impressive company: he is tied for 12th among minor league shortstops in home runs. Palmer has struck out a bit more with Brooklyn than while in St. Lucie but has still managed to maintain his on-base skills while predominantly playing center field.

Chacin made his second start with Brooklyn on Sunday and had his second straight excellent outing. Following up a 5 2/3-inning, one-run performance, he made it through six innings without giving up a single run. Across three levels, he has a 2.54 ERA this season. However, at 24 years old, he has been old for each level at which he’s pitched. Taveras continues to have success pitching full-time out of the bullpen, a new role for him heading into the season. Across two levels, he has a 58:6 K:BB ratio and has only given up three home runs in 44 2/3 innings pitched.

A: Jupiter Hammerheads (57-49) 7, St. Lucie Mets (55-50) 5  Box Score

The Mets struggled on both sides of the ball in this loss. While five runs seem like evidence of a strong showing, four of them scored in the first inning, with two coming on an error and a wild pitch and all four being unearned. Defensively, the Mets made five errors throughout the afternoon. Jordan has not shown any power since making his professional debut, but he has been quite successful at getting on base, both through a litany of singles and a strong approach at the plate. He has a 16:19 BB:K ratio through 96 plate appearances.

Gsellman made his first rehab appearance in his return from a lat injury; this was his first time appearing in a game since June 19. It did not go particularly well, with three of the five batters he faced recording hits against him, but he did throw 17 pitches (12 strikes) without a physical issue. Faith has looked strong as a reliever this season: he has a 3.18 ERA and 40 strikeouts in 28 1/3 innings out of the bullpen.