Morning Briefing: Can Mets Salvage Road Trip?

Good morning, Mets fans!

Jacob deGrom was in vintage form on Saturday, as he gave up only one earned run over 6.2 innings pitched. However, after the right-hander was removed after a hip cramp, New York’s bullpen surrendered five unanswered runs to allow Arizona to tie up the series.

Lefty, Steven Matz (4-3, 3.55) faces off against rookie pitcher Merrill Kelly (4-6, 4.83) in the rubber match of this three game series on Sunday. In Matz’s last two starts, he has thrown a total of 12 innings, and has gave up just three earned runs with 13 strikeouts and five walks. In each of Kelly’s last two starts, he has thrown a combined eight innings, and has given up eight earned runs with five strikeouts and five walks. The game will be televised on SNY and can be heard on WCBS 880AM and ESPN 1050. First pitch is scheduled for 4:10 p.m. (EST).

Latest Mets News

According to Matt Ehalt of Yahoo Sports, second baseman Robinson Cano is “hoping” to return to the Mets Tuesday but is eligible to come off the injured list as soon as Sunday.

Tim Healey of Newsday, caught up with former Mets infielder, “walk-off” Wilmer Flores.

Latest MLB News

ESPN.com writer, Jeff Passan, explains an elaborately planned out method to possibly “win” the MLB draft. The only downfall being the uncertainty of player’s success.

Fernando Tatis Jr. is nearing a rehab assignment after falling to injury in April. The promising young shortstop was struck with a left hamstring strain and could start rehab assignments as early as next week.

After experiencing back spasms in the second inning of Friday night’s Yankees vs Red Sox game, Steve Pearce was taken out of the game and placed on the 10-day Injured List on Saturday. Sam Travis, first baseman and left fielder, will come up for the second time this year filling in as a platoon with Mitch Moreland at first.

Despite starting the year with a 13-2 record, the Seattle Mariners may be sellers come the 2019 trade deadline. According to MLB Network‘s Jon Heyman, the team is “deep in sell mode.” Among those being talked about as trade bait include Edwin Encarnacion, Ryon Healy, Dee Gordon, Mike Leake and Tim Beckham.

Gio Gonzalez has been placed on the Injured List with a “dead arm”. The placement was back dated to May 28. The free agent pickup has done fairly well for the Brew Crew, however with his “not right” feeling in his left arm, the team felt it was best to be cautious.

Latest NL East News

Matt Gelb of The Athletic wrote an article about the Philadelphia Phillies “non-traditional” approach to left-handed batters.

The Phillies and Mariners are in talks regarding former Mets outfielder, Jay Bruce. Ken Rosenthal of MLB reports that this deal is nearing completion and is currently pending review of Bruce’s medicals. The Mariners would received a minor leaguer and net cash savings.

The Washington Nationals are signing relief pitcher Fernando Rodney to a minor league deal as per Craig Mish of Fantasy Sports Radio. He will report to Triple-A Fresno.