Good morning, Mets fans!
Former Met pitcher Steven Matz put up an impressive stat line in his debut with the Blue Jays on Monday. The lefty threw for nine strikeouts, allowed two hits and one earned run in 6 1/3 innings in Toronto’s 6-2 win over Texas.
The Mets’ season finally kicked off on Monday night but New York fell short to Philadelphia 5-3 thanks to a five-run eighth inning for the Phillies. Mets ace Jacob deGrom threw seven strikeouts in six innings in his 2021 debut.
New York will look to bounce back tonight at Citizens Bank Park with right-handed pitcher Marcus Stroman taking the mound. Righty Chase Anderson will get the nod for the Phillies.
First pitch is set for 7:05 p.m. and will be broadcasted on ESPN, SNY and WQBU 92.7.
Let’s get into today’s briefing.
Latest Mets News
Manager Luis Rojas announced he will receive the COVID-19 vaccine on Tuesday and the team will have a specialist educate players on the vaccine, according to Metsmerized Online‘s Michael Mayer. Players will have the opportunity to take the vaccine starting Thursday.
Latest MLB News
Coors Field, the home of the Colorado Rockies, is expected to be the site of the 2021 All-Star Game, per Buster Olney of ESPN. This year’s All-Star Game was originally set to be played in Atlanta, but MLB pulled the game from Truist Park after the State of Georgia recently passed controversial voting laws.
The Washington Nationals are adding a slew of players to their Opening Day roster due to players in either isolation or quarantine, according to The Athletic‘s Maria Torres. These players include pitchers Kyle McGowin and Sam Clay, catcher Tres Barrera, infielder Luis García and outfielder Yadiel Hernandez.
The Nats will take on the Braves at 4:05 p.m. Tuesday at Nationals Park.
Reds right fielder Nick Castellanos has been suspended for two games for his role in the bench-clearing brawl in Saturday’s game against the Cardinals, per the Associated Press. Castellanos will appeal the decision.
Per Robert Murray of FanSided, free agent pitcher and former Met Mike Montgomery and the Yankees have reached an agreement, pending a physical. The lefty threw for a 5.06 ERA in three games for Kansas City last season.
Nationals pitcher Max Scherzer said he “can’t wait” to receive the COVID-19 vaccine, per the Washington Post‘s Chelsea Janes. The veteran righty said that he tries to “listen to what the scientists say, what the experts say.”
Right-handed pitcher Jaden Hill, a projected top-10 pick in the upcoming draft, tore his UCL this past weekend, according to Brody Miller of The Athletic. The LSU prospect threw a 6.67 ERA in seven games for the Tigers.
Ashley MacLennan of FanGraphs writes on Blue Jays fans struggling to find a connection to their beloved team. Toronto has not played in Canada since 2019.
Latest on MMO
Andrew Steele-Davis writes that deGrom and Stroman will take the mound in the Mets’ home opener against the Marlins this weekend.
Patrick Glynn recaps Monday’s press conference with owner Steve Cohen and team president Sandy Alderson.
Rob Piersall discusses Michael Conforto‘s future with the Mets after Monday’s press conference
Michael Mayer breaks down the Mets officially announcing Francisco Lindor‘s contract extension.
MMO Digital
On today’s episode of Locked On Mets, host Ryan Finkelstein laments a familiar Mets loss, as they squandered another gem of start by Jacob deGrom. Ryan also criticizes some of the decisions by manager Luis Rojas in his 2021 debut and talks about the tough spot he is in this season.
On This Date in Mets History
1974: The New York Yankees began their two-year stint at Shea Stadium while Yankee Stadium was under renovation. The Bronx Bombers defeated Cleveland in their season opener as the Yankee hopeful cheered after receiving the news that the Mets had lost to the Phillies in Philadelphia.
2015: Right-handed pitcher Bartolo Colon becomes the oldest opening day starter in franchise history at the age of 41. Colon gave up just one run on three hits on the way to a 3-1 over the Nationals in Washington.
Birthdays: Andy Phillips (44) and Wayne Graham (84)
Let’s go Mets!
