Morning Briefing: League Division Series Games Begin Today

Good morning, Mets fans!

Game 1 of each National League and American League Division Series will take place today. In the AL, the Rangers and Orioles will get underway at 1:00 p.m. ET before the Twins and Astros start their matchup at 4:45 p.m. ET. Both games will be broadcast on FS1.

The NL will feature a pair of divisional matchups, with the Phillies and Braves playing at 6:00 p.m. ET before the Diamondbacks and Dodgers get things started at 9:20 p.m. ET. Both games will be broadcast on TBS. Major League Baseball announced the umpire assignments for each of these series on Friday.

Latest Mets News

An article in the New York Times on Friday suggested that as part of the MLB investigation into Billy Eppler’s misuse of the injured list, the investigation would also look into Mets’ owner Steve Cohen. Abbey Mastracco of New York Daily News debunked this by stating that MLB has informed the Mets that Steve Cohen is not a target of the investigation.

Latest MLB News

With Zack Wheeler and Aaron Nola still recovering from their appearances in the Wild Card round, Ranger Suárez is expected to start today’s Game 1 matchup against the Braves, going up against Spencer Strider.

Major League Baseball announced the nominees for the 25th annual Hank Aaron Award. The list is as follows:

American League
- Yordan Álvarez (HOU)
- Kyle Tucker (HOU)
- Shohei Ohtani (LAA)
- Aaron Judge (NYY)
- Julio Rodríguez (SEA)
- Yandy Díaz (TB)
- Adolis García (TEX)
- Corey Seager (TEX)
- Marcus Semien (TEX)
National League
- Ronald Acuña Jr. (ATL)
- Matt Olson (ATL)
- Corbin Carroll (ARI)
- Cody Bellinger (CHC)
- Mookie Betts (LAD)
- Freddie Freeman (LAD)
- Luis Arráez (MIA)
- Bryce Harper (PHI)
- Juan Soto (SD)

Marlins’ ace Sandy Alcántara underwent Tommy John surgery on Friday and will miss the 2024 season.

While on the Dan Patrick Show, Joey Votto said that he wants to play baseball again, for at least one more year. Votto also mentioned that he would like to be back with the Reds, but would consider playing elsewhere if he has to.

Per Alden González of ESPN, the Angels parted ways with assistant general manager Alex Tamin, who served as general manager Perry Minasian’s right-hand man.

Latest on MMO

Jorge Eckardt writes about Cuban reliever Yariel Rodríguez, who is expected to become a major league free agent after a fantastic year in Japan.

John Sheridan highlights Mets prospect Ronald Hernández, who was named a 2023 All-Star in the Florida Complex League.

Sean Kenny looks at what the next step is for David Stearns in hiring a new general manager.

Michael Mayer breaks down the salary projections for the Mets’ 16 arbitration-eligible players.

Chris Bello grades the season of Mets’ ace Kodai Senga.