Morning Briefing: Injuries Keep Stacking and Mets Keep Winning

Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports

Happy Saturday, Mets fans!

The Mets pulled off another miracle victory Friday night, topping the Marlins in 12 innings on the backs of Jake Hager, Khalil Lee, and Johneshwy Fargas.

The team announced a plethora of moves on Friday, including the movement of first baseman Pete Alonso to the 10-Day IL with a right hand sprain. Alonso is the latest of the battered Mets to join the list, also joined by right-hander Tommy Hunter, who is dealing with lower back pain. To fill the empty spots on the roster, the Mets recalled Yennsy Diaz and selected Brandon Drury from Triple-A. The team also activated Sam McWilliams from the Minor League IL and designated Daniel Zamora for assignment. All of these moves were announced via the New York Mets team Twitter account.

Latest Mets News

Jacob deGrom, who made a rehab start for the St. Lucie Mets on Thursday and pumped 102 MPH on the gun, is expected to make his next start at the MLB level, according to Jon Morosi of MLB Network.

Mets rookies’ Jake Hager and Khalil Lee both notched their first MLB hits during Fridays’ game, both of which came in the same inning. It was the first time that New York has had multiple first hits in the same game since 2003, when Prentice Redman and Danny Garcia did it, according to Rob Piersall of Metsmerized.

Seth Lugo, on rehab with the Syracuse Mets, walked two and struck out one in a scoreless outing, according to Michael Mayer of Metsmerized.

Starting pitcher Jordan Yamamoto, who has spent most of his time this year in Triple-A, has joined the major league team in Miami, according to Tim Healey of Newsday.

Outfielder Kevin Pillar, who was hit in the face by a pitch earlier this week, had surgery on Friday to repair his broken nose, according to Tim Healey of Newsday.

The Mets announced new COVID-19 fan guidelines on Friday, as fans now no longer must showcase a negative COVID test to enter Citi Field. Additionally, new sections will be opened, and masks will be required outside of the vaccinated only seating. More details can be found per Michael Mayer of Metsmerized.

Wayne Randazzo, who usually co-announces the Mets games on WCBS 880, will step in for Gary Cohen on SNY for this weekend’s series agains the Miami Marlins, according to Randazzo’s own Twitter page.

Latest MLB News

The Tampa Bay Rays engaged in a trade on Friday that sent shortstop Willy Adames to the Milwaukee Brewers in exchange for relievers Drew Rasmussen and J.P. Feyereisen, according to Mark Feinsand of MLB.com. Feinsand later announced that RHP Trevor Richards will also be heading from Tampa to Milwaukee.

The Seattle Mariners had at least one positive test for COVID-19, according to Jeff Passan of ESPN. According to Passan’s source, the Mariners are among the least vaccinated teams in the league.

The Philadelphia Phillies placed catcher J.T. Realmuto on the IL on Friday, after he sat for six straight days due to a bone bruise on his hand, according to Matt Gelb of the Athletic.

Yankees’ outfielder Aaron Hicks will undergo surgery on his wrist, according to Laura Albanese of Newsday. The length of his absence is unknown, but the surgery is potentially season-ending.

Washington Nationals’ starting pitcher Stephen Strasburg came off the IL on Friday, per Chelsea Janes of the Washington Post.

Former Met Brad Brach was called up to the Cincinnati Reds’ bullpen on Friday, according to Bobby Nightengale of the Inquirer.

Former Pirates pitcher Felipe Vazquez was convicted on 15 charges of sexual assault on Friday, stemming from the assault of a 13-year-old girl, according to Chris Hoffman of CBS Pittsburgh.

The top five selling items on NFLShop.com on Friday were all Tim Tebow merchandise, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.

The Tampa Bay Rays recalled RHP Brent Honeywell Jr. from Triple-A, according to Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times.

ESPN’s Joon Lee wrote about umpire shoe fashion and how the sneaker craze is taking over the world of MLB umpires.