Morning Briefing: Mets Continue Slump, Extend Losing Streak To Five

Good Morning, Mets fans!

The Mets were shut out by the Atlanta Braves on Sunday by a score of 4-0. They have now lost five straight games and own a record of 3-7, the worst in the NL East.

On Monday, the Mets will look to avoid a four-game sweep as they take on the Braves for the final game of this series. Jacob deGrom (0-0, 1.64 ERA) will take the mound for the Mets and Mike Soroka (0-0, 1.59 ERA) will pitch for the Braves. The first pitch will be at 7:10 pm EST and the game can be seen on SNY and FS1.

Latest Mets News

Mets slugger Yoenis Cespedes was not with the team at Truist Park on Sunday for their scheduled game and his whereabouts were unknown. Later in the afternoon, the Mets stated that they have no reason to believe that Cespedes’ safety was at risk.

Mets GM Brodie Van Wagenen confirmed that Cespedes is safe and healthy, but concerns over risks of COVID-19 led him to opt-out of the remainder of the 2020 season.

Per Tim Britton and Marc Craig of The Athletic, a source told The Athletic that Cespedes has a family member with a pre-existing condition, and the outbreaks with other teams lead Cespedes to opt-out for the rest of the season.

Tim Healey of Newsday reported that the Mets traded right-handed pitcher Tyler Bashlor to the Pittsburgh Pirates for cash considerations.

Jacob Resnick of Metsmerized reported that Hunter Strickland cleared waivers and was outrighted to the Alternate Site and remains in the team’s Player Pool.

The Mets activated right-hander Jared Huges from the injured list, optioned righty Franklyn Kilome and moved Jed Lowrie from the 10-day IL to the 45-day IL.

According to Anthony DiComo of MLB.com, the Mets and San Francisco Giants have agreed to a trade that sent Billy Hamilton to New York in exchange for righty Jordan Humphreys.

Latest MLB News

MLB insider Robert Murray reported that the St. Louis Cardinals have “multiple” new positive tests for COVID-19.

MLB insider Murray also reported that free-agent left-hander Francisco Liriano has opted out of the 2020 season.

Cincinnati Reds veteran first baseman Joey Votto self-reported coronavirus symptoms and was placed on the IL, according to C. Trent Rosecrans of The Athletic.

Terry Francona did not manage the Cleveland Indians on Sunday due to minor gastrointestinal issues and Sandy Alomar Jr. managed instead, according to Zack Meisel of The Athletic.

Beloved Milwaukee Brewers bench coach Pat Murphy suffered a moderate heart attack Saturday during the team’s workout. Murphy is in good spirits and should have a full recovery, per Bob Nightengale of USA Today.

James Fegan of The Athletic reported that White Sox have requested waivers on right-hander Kelvin Herrera for his unconditional release.

According to Aiden Gonzales of ESPN, Angels’ right-hander Shohei Ohtani expressed discomfort on his pitching arm after today’s game and was sent for an MRI.