Liam Hendriks. Robert Edwards-USA TODAY Sports
Good morning, Mets fans!
Just under five months after beginning treatment for stage 4 non-Hodgkins lymphoma, Liam Hendriks is set to rejoin the White Sox ahead of the team’s game against the Angels tonight. The Australian-born righty announced on Instagram that he was cancer-free on April 20. He had since been throwing bullpen sessions and live batting practice, in addition to some rehab outings for Triple-A Charlotte. Hendriks has been a very popular figure on and off the field, and the White Sox put together a welcome-back video on their social media pages to celebrate his return.
Latest Mets News
Francisco Álvarez smacked a three-run homer, Tommy Pham finished a homer shy of the cycle and drove in four runs, but a late Mets rally fell short as they dropped their series finale with the Rockies, 11-10. The Mets scored six runs in the top of the fourth inning to take a 6-2 lead, by Tylor Megill surrendered four two-out runs in the bottom half of the frame. Stephen Nogosek allowed five runs in the bottom of the fifth, including two-run homers to Charlie Blackmon and Ryan McMahon. The Mets finish their road trip 2-4 and now head home to begin a three-game series with the Phillies after an off day.
Jeff McNeil was out of Sunday’s lineup due to groin tightness, Buck Showalter said before the game. McNeil was able to come off the bench, getting a pinch-hit single in the ninth inning.
Elieser Hernández made an appearance for the St. Lucie Mets on his rehab assignment, striking out three in an inning of work. Hernández was acquired along with Jeff Brigham from the Marlins this past winter and is expected to provide some much-needed pitching depth.
The Mets have signed right-hander Bailey Reid to a minor league contract. Reid was signed as an undrafted free agent by the Cubs out of Westmont College in 2021 and was recently released by the team. In 71 2/3 minor league innings, Reid has struck out 104 batters but has issued 58 walks.
Latest MLB News
The Angels have called up fireballing righty Ben Joyce from Double-A Rocket City. The former Tennessee Volunteer is the Angels’ ninth-ranked prospect, and wowed scouts in college with his fastball that could touch 105 miles per hour. This year, Joyce has struck out 24 batters in 15 2/3 innings, though he’s also walked 13 batters.
The Braves are activating right-hander Mike Soroka to start in the team’s series opener against the A’s tonight. The 25-year-old was an All-Star and finished second in Rookie of the Year voting back in 2019, but he hasn’t pitched in the majors since suffering a torn Achilles on August 3, 2020. The right-hander tore his Achilles again while rehabbing in 2021 and has been gearing up in the minor leagues for the past two years.
Trevor May recently returned from a stint on the injured list due to anxiety. He posted a thread on Twitter about his journey back to the mound.
Spencer Strider struck out nine batters in six innings on Sunday night, becoming the first pitcher to reach 100 strikeouts on the season. Strider has racked up 106 punchouts in 63 2/3 innings.
Latest on MMO
Anthony Gabbianelli recaps the Mets’ loss to the Rockies on Sunday.
Christian De Block looks at how Francisco Álvarez and the “Baby Mets” ignited the offense on Saturday.
Jack Markowski explains why the Mets should look at extending Francisco Álvarez.
On This Date in Mets History
1971: Tom Seaver and Nolan Ryan combine to strike out 26 batters in a doubleheader sweep of the Padres – tying the MLB record that the Mets set in September the year prior. Seaver strikes out 10 in the first game, while Ryan punches out 16 in the nightcap.
1981: The Mets trade right-hander Jeff Reardon and outfielder Dan Norman to the Expos for former All-Star outfielder Ellis Valentine. The 25-year-old has been a force ever since he came up in 1975, but he’s off to a slow start this year.
1990: After a disappointing 20-22 start, the Mets fire Davey Johnson and replace him with Bud Harrelson. Johnson finishes his Mets tenure with a strong .593 win percentage and one World Series title. He remains the winningest manager in franchise history.
2012: Jeremy Hefner tosses six innings, allowing three runs on six hits to earn his career victory, and hits his first major league home run as the Mets beat the Phillies, 6-3. He’s the first pitcher to hit his first big league homer and record his first victory in the same game since Dennis Tankersley did so in 2002.
2022: After falling behind 4-3 in the eighth inning, Nick Plummer leads off the bottom of the ninth with his first major league homer, tying the game against Phillies closer Corey Knebel. After Edwin Díaz holds the Phillies in check in the top of the 10th, Eduardo Escobar lines a walk-off single as the Mets sweep the Phillies in stunning fashion. This is the Mets’ first sweep of the season and it extends their record to 9-3 against the Phillies.
Birthdays: Dyar Miller (77), Toby Borland (54), Tyler Pill (33), Steven Matz (32)
