Morning Briefing: Doubleheader Against Rockies On Tap For Mets

Good morning, Mets fans!

Game 2 of a four-game set with the Colorado Rockies was postponed on Wednesday due to inclement weather. Fortunately, the game will be made up today, as a single-admission doubleheader. 

For Game 1, (12:10 PM EST), it will be Marcus Stroman (3-4, 2.75) for the Mets, going up against Colorado’s ace German Marquez (3-4, 4.82). Marquez is coming off of seven shutout innings against the Diamondbacks last Friday, and Stroman will take the mound after his scheduled start was postponed Wednesday night. Stroman is coming off of a quality start against the Marlins, giving up two runs in six innings. He’ll look to shut down the Rockies and help the Mets work toward a doubleheader sweep. 

In Game 2, Joey Lucchesi (1-3, 7.32) will come off of his best start– four one-hit innings complete with eight strikeouts– and toe the rubber against a Colorado pitcher to be announced. 

Latest Mets News

Utility-man extraordinaire (and juggler, because what can’t he do) Luis Guillorme is “getting close” to starting a rehab assignment. The sure-handed infielder has been swinging in the batting cages, and should begin to swing on the field soon.

Luis Rojas said that Tommy Hunter’s back pain was a cause for concern due to the journeyman right-hander’s history of back problems. However, Hunter’s condition has significantly improved, including his usual clubhouse liveliness, and could return to the active roster sooner than initially expected.

Latest MLB News

Following an investigation by Major League Baseball, Mickey Callaway has been placed on the ineligible list, and will be unable to coach in the league until at least the end of 2022– effective immediately.”I have concluded that Mr. Callaway violated MLB’s policies,” commissioner Rob Manfred said in his statement on the matter. Callaway himself released a statement.

The Cubs designated veteran right-hander Shelby Miller for assignment late Wednesday night. Miller has struggled as of late, posting an ERA over 6 in both 2019 and 2020, and pitched just two innings this season (5 BB, 7 ER). 

Dee Strange-Gordon signed a minor league deal with the Cubs Wednesday morning. Many fans clamored for the Mets to jump on the chance at adding a veteran bat with outfield experience to a depleted roster, but the Cubs snatched the 33-year old quickly after he was made available as a free agent. Were you hoping for the Mets to grab the speedster?

The Cincinnati Reds announced their intention to call up right-handed pitcher Vladimir Gutierrez, who is set to make his debut for the team on Friday at Wrigley field. Gutierrez, who has impressed at AAA this season (2-0, 2.65, 21 K in 17 IP). signed with the Reds as an international free agent in the summer of 2016, and the rookie-to-be boasts a 60 grade slider and a 60 grade curveball, according to Fangraphs.

The Braves vaunted top of the lineup took a hit on Wednesday, as slugger Marcell Ozuna announced via Instagram that is expected to miss at least six weeks after dislocating two fingers on his left hand during Tuesday’s game. The Braves are already riddled with injuries (not quite at the level of their AL East rival), after losing Mike Soroka, Travis d’Arnaud, and Huascar Ynoa to significant injuries. 

Zach Plesac, who hurt himself taking off his shirt “aggressively”, will not require surgery. According to Mandy Bell, the right-hander will be re-evaluated every week for the next three before he can start a throwing progression. 

The Yankees’ biggest free agent acquisition and recently added member to the ever-expanding no-hitter club, Corey Kluber, will miss at least eight weeks after an MRI detected a sub-scapular strain in his rotator cuff. In other bad news down in the Bronx, Luke Voit was placed on the 10-day IL with a grade 2 oblique strain. 

Latest on MMO

Read Connor Grey’s latest on notable Mets minor league performances, including an update on Seth Lugo, and some good offensive showings from prospects Carlos Cortes and Jake Mangum in AA. 

Tomas Nido has been stellar behind the plate and at the dish as he has seen an increase in playing time, and Pat Ragazzo broke down the team’s hottest hitter and what has been going right for Tomas. 

The Mets made a trade late Tuesday night, grabbing outfielder Billy McKinney from the Brewers. Ryan Finkelstein took a deep dive into what the newest Met brings to the table. 

Jacob deGrom helped the Mets snap a short losing streak on Tuesday, and Nate Olshan wrote about what deGrom did so well in the win. 

Beyond the Blog

Locked On Mets: On today’s episode, host Ryan Finkelstein breaks down Francisco Lindor’s struggles this season to identify why the superstar shortstop has been unable to get things going offensively. He also profiles the Mets newest addition Billy McKinney and what the outfielder could bring to a team in desperate need of a spark.

On This Date in Mets History

1987: Davey Johnson and the reigning world champion Mets defeat the Giants 4-3 at Candlestick Park in San Francisco. A notable win for Johnson, who overtook Gil Hodges as the winningest manager in Mets history with his 340th win. Johnson spent seven years with the team and remains the most successful manager in the history of the Mets, winning 595 games with a .588 winning percentage, as well as a World Series victory. 

Let’s go Mets! (x2)