Morning Briefing: Max Scherzer Ready To Go For ALCS

Good morning, Mets fans!

After a bullpen session on Friday, former Met Max Scherzer told reporters that he was good to go for the ALCS. “I’ve pressed all the buttons I can,” Scherzer said. “I’m ready to go.” Scherzer hasn’t pitched in a month since suffering a strained teres major muscle in his right shoulder, but he pitched well for the Rangers following his trade from the Mets, posting a 3.20 across eight starts with the club. The Rangers have fared well without Scherzer this postseason, going 5-0 up to this point, but he would still serve as a massive addition to a crucial series with the Astros.

Latest MLB News

Sean McAdam of MassLive reports that the Red Sox are targeting Michael Hill to potentially fill their vacant general manager role. Hill currently serves as MLB’s Senior Vice President of Baseball Operations. Hill previously served as both general manager and president of baseball operations for the Marlins before being let go after the 2020 season.

The Baseball Writers’ Association of America released a statement defending reporter Jake Mintz of Fox Sports, who was questioned and criticized on MLB Network because of the controversy that he used Orlando Arcia‘s “atta-boy Harper” comment in an article.

The St. Louis Cardinals Academy in the Dominican Republic was the subject of an armed robbery, with players being robbed for jewelry and money at gunpoint. Cardinals president John Mozeliak commented on the incident, confirming that nobody was harmed and that the security measures at the academy will be looked into.

Brewers starter Brandon Woodruff underwent surgery on his right shoulder on Friday. Woodruff is expected to miss most, if not all, of the 2024 season.

Per Bob Nightengale of USA Today, the Diamondbacks will use Zac Gallen in Game 1 against the Phillies, with Merrill Kelly starting Game 2 and Brandon Pfaadt starting Game 3.

Because he covered the salaries of some of the Angels’ Dominican Republic staffers during the pandemic, Albert Pujols was honored by them this week, receiving a small ceremony and a plaque.

Latest on MMO

Michael Mayer breaks down the latest news out of the Arizona Fall League, including continued struggles by Mets’ prospect Kevin Parada.

Rich Sparago examines whether or not it is necessary to change the format of the MLB postseason.

Ricky Keeler recaps the Brooklyn Cyclones’ 2023 season.

Jack Markowski analyzes the Mets’ non-tender candidates.

On This Date in Mets History

1969: The Mets defeated the Orioles in Game 3 of the World Series, 5-0. Gary Gentry and Nolan Ryan combined for nine shutout innings, while Tommie Agee and Ed Kranepool both went deep in the winning effort. It was a key victory for New York as it put them ahead in the series 2-1, and it was also the first-ever World Series game to be played at Shea Stadium.

1973: The Mets defeated the Athletics in Game 2 of the World Series, 10-7. It took 12 innings, with the Mets being helped out by Oakland recording five errors in the contest. Tug McGraw came out of the bullpen and threw for six innings, recording the win, while Cleon Jones and Wayne Garrett homered off Vida Blue. The Mets’ win tied the series up at one apiece.

Birthdays: Patrick Mazeika (30), Duaner Sánchez (44), Ryan Church (45), Brent Strom (75), Art Shamsky (82)