Morning Briefing: Baty Helps Mets Back To 4.5 Game Lead

Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports

Good morning, Mets fans!

In his first career at-bat, Brett Baty hit a two-run home run in the second inning that put the Mets up 4-0, a comfortable lead.

BRETT BATY HAS HOMERED IN HIS FIRST MAJOR LEAGUE AT-BAT!!!!! pic.twitter.com/EPwfc0BDzK

— SNY (@SNYtv) August 17, 2022

Tim Healey of Newsday Sports reports that Brett Baty said Brandon Nimmo took him aside to share some wise words. “He was just like, hey man, slow it down. It’s going to be a pretty big atmosphere for sure. But we all trust you out there and we have your back,” Baty said.

Starling Marte also added a pair of solo home runs (first and seventh innings) and Max Scherzer allowed four earned runs in six and a third innings pitched while earning the win. Overall, the team stepped up to defeat the Atlanta Braves 9-7 and increase the division lead to 4.5 games. Dan Quiñones has a more complete recap of the game.

Now, it is time for the morning briefing.

Latest Mets News

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Watch the Syracuse Mets take on the Charlotte Knights on MLB Network on Saturday, August 20, at 7:00 PM eastern time.

MLB reports that Pete Alonso will play for team USA at the 2023 World Baseball Classic. Nate Mendelson has more on this story.

Anthony DiComo of MLB.com reports that Joey Lucchesi (recovery from Tommy John surgery) is scheduled to begin a minor league rehab assignment on Sunday at Class A St. Lucie, per Buck Showalter. It will be his first game since 2021.

Latest MLB News

The Oakland Athletics have recalled Sheldon Neuse from Las Vegas and released Elvis Andrus.

The Texas Rangers announced yesterday that Jon Daniels has been relieved of his duties as President of Baseball Operations, effective immediately. Executive Vice President & General Manager Chris Young will assume oversight of all aspects of the Rangers’ baseball operations department.

Bobby Nightengale of Cincinnati.com reports that Joey Votto announced he will have season-ending surgery for a rotator cuff tear on Friday.

The Yankees have recently made roster moves: Tim Locastro and Miguel Andujar were optioned to AAA. Clay Holmes was placed on the IL. Estevan Florial, Ron Marinaccio, and Oswaldo Cabrera were all added to the active roster, per Meredith Marakovits of YES.

Jon Heyman of The New York Post reports that Dellin Betances has retired from baseball. In fifteen games with the Oklahoma City Dodgers (AAA), he posted a 11.08 ERA with twelve strikeouts and fourteen walks.

Grant Paulsen of The Athletic reports that Washington Nationals pitching prospect Cole Henry is going to have Thoracic Outlet Surgery on Aug. 28. Henry has not pitched since June 11. He allowed just 14 hits in 31.2 IP this season. He was one of the most dominant arms in the minors but he will be out until sometime next spring.